Dominican Republic to Open Consulate in Dakhla, Backing Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara
Dominican Republic Strengthens Ties with Morocco, Backs Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara
In a morocco-imminent/” title=”Sound Energy: Morocco Poised for Natural Gas Production”>move signaling deepening diplomatic ties, the Dominican Republic has announced its unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region. This declaration came alongside the nation’s commitment to open a consulate in Dakhla, a key city in the Western Sahara, as part of its future diplomatic expansion plans.
This announcement was made following a meeting between the Dominican Republic’s newly inaugurated President, Luis Abinader, and Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita. President Abinader specifically tasked Minister Bourita with conveying this message of support directly to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Furthermore, President Abinader reiterated the Dominican Republic’s stance on the ongoing situation in Western Sahara, stating that his country views Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan as the “only solution” to the decades-long dispute. This echoes the growing international support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, which proposes a degree of self-governance for the region while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty.
The meeting, which took place at the National Palace in Santo Domingo during President Abinader’s inauguration ceremony, also served as an opportunity for the two nations to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. Minister Bourita, representing King Mohammed VI, conveyed the King’s congratulations to President Abinader and extended an official invitation for a state visit to Morocco.
President Abinader expressed his enthusiasm for bolstering ties between the two nations across various sectors and confirmed his intention to visit Morocco in response to the King’s invitation. This upcoming visit is expected to lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration and partnership between the Dominican Republic and Morocco.
The Dominican Republic’s decision to open a consulate in Dakhla holds significant diplomatic weight. It further solidifies Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara issue and highlights the growing international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the region. This move follows a trend of several other countries, primarily in Africa and the Arab world, who have also opened consulates in Dakhla and Laayoune, another major city in Western Sahara.
This diplomatic development underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape in North Africa and the increasing importance of the Western Sahara region in international relations.
