So Tom© and Pr­ncipe Aligns with Morocco on Sahara Autonomy Initiative

Rabat: The Republic of So Tom© and Pr­ncipe has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region, describing Morocco's autonomy initiative as the only viable and realistic solution to the long-standing regional dispute. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities of So Tom© and Pr­ncipe, Mrs Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz, reiterated her country's position following talks on Tuesday in Rabat with Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr Nasser Bourita.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs Amado Vaz stated that So Tom© and Pr­ncipe maintains a firm and unwavering stance in favour of Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire national territory, including the Sahara. She reaffirmed her country's full support for the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco, noting that it represents the only credible, realistic and sustainable framework for resolving the dispute.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which she said endorses the Moroccan autonomy proposal as a serious basis for achieving a political solution within the framework of Morocco's sovereignty. Mrs Amado Vaz further praised the socio-economic progress achieved by Morocco in its Southern Provinces, highlighting the New Development Model implemented by the Kingdom, which she noted has contributed to stability, security and regional integration.

She said So Tom© and Pr­ncipe's position aligns with a growing international consensus in support of Morocco's autonomy plan, driven by diplomatic efforts under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. The meeting formed part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues of mutual interest.