Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held talks with US Congressman Joe Wilson on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two discussed bilateral relations between Morocco and the US, including their long history and recent developments in politics, economics, and trade. They also touched on efforts by Morocco and the US to promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and Africa.
Bourita and Wilson exchanged views on the Western Sahara conflict and Morocco's proposal for autonomy for the southern regions. They also discussed the international support for Morocco's position, particularly at the UN Security Council, ahead of upcoming discussions on the conflict in October. The two officials reviewed the draft resolution submitted to the US Congress by Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta, which calls for the Polisario Front to be designated as a terrorist organization.
Wilson commented on the meeting, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to discuss the strong and enduring friendship between the US and Morocco, as well as Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and the need to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization. The meeting highlights the close cooperation between Morocco and the US on regional issues.
The discussions between Bourita and Wilson come as the UN Security Council prepares to discuss the Western Sahara conflict in October. The conflict has been ongoing for decades, with Morocco and the Polisario Front vying for control of the territory. Morocco has proposed autonomy for the region, while the Polisario Front seeks independence.
The US has traditionally taken a neutral stance on the Western Sahara conflict, but there are signs that the administration of President Donald Trump may be shifting towards a more supportive position on Morocco's position. The draft resolution submitted to Congress by Wilson and Panetta reflects growing support in the US for designating the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization.
The meeting between Bourita and Wilson is part of a broader effort by Morocco to build support for its position on Western Sahara at the international level. Morocco has been actively engaging with the international community to promote its proposal for autonomy and to counter the Polisario Front's claims of sovereignty.
The discussions between Bourita and Wilson also reflect the strong bilateral relationship between Morocco and the US, which has been strengthened in recent years through cooperation on regional security issues, trade, and investment. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and the meeting highlights the continued commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
Key points
- Morocco and the US are cooperating on regional security issues, including the Western Sahara conflict.
- The US Congress has introduced a resolution calling for the Polisario Front to be designated as a terrorist organization.
- Morocco's proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara has gained international support.
