Guinea-Bissau has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. The country's Foreign Minister, Fatumata Jau, made the statement on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Jau expressed her country's consistent position in support of Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara.
Guinea-Bissau also renewed its backing for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a solution to the regional dispute. According to Jau, her country welcomes Security Council Resolution 2797 and supports United Nations efforts to find a solution based on the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty presented by Morocco. This position is clear, consistent, and unequivocal, Jau emphasized.
This is not the first time Guinea-Bissau has expressed support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara. In June, Jau echoed the same remarks after talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. At the time, she stated that her country's position remained firm and unchanged, while reiterating its support for Morocco's sovereignty over its territory and the Autonomy Plan.
During the meeting with Bourita, Jau also welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which she linked to efforts to establish the Autonomy Plan under Moroccan sovereignty as a framework for a political settlement. The resolution is seen as a key element in finding a solution to the regional dispute.
Guinea-Bissau's support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara is not a new development. In May, then-Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo Vieira reaffirmed his country's support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. He also described the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the most optimal route toward a credible and realistic solution to the dispute.
The latest statement by Jau in New York further reinforces Guinea-Bissau's position on the issue. The country opened a Consulate General in Dakhla in 2020, which is seen as a demonstration of its commitment to strengthening ties with Morocco. The two countries have been working to enhance their bilateral relations in recent years.
The reaffirmation of Guinea-Bissau's support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara comes at a time when the international community is seeking a solution to the regional dispute. The Moroccan Autonomy Plan is seen as a key element in finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the issue.
Key points
- Guinea-Bissau reaffirms its support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara.
- The country also renews its backing for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a solution to the regional dispute.
- Guinea-Bissau's position on the issue is clear, consistent, and unequivocal, according to Foreign Minister Fatumata Jau.
