Colombia has communicated that it resumes the recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, reversing the shift of the previous Executive of Gustavo Petro, under which diplomatic relations with this territory had been restored.
"It is a pleasure to tell Colombia and Morocco that we are going to build a new beginning in the relations between both countries," stated Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo in recent hours, in a declaration alongside Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who has been present this Friday in Cali for the inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella.
Restrepo detailed that this renewed stage in bilateral ties will serve to strengthen economic and political cooperation, and he left the door open for it to later materialize in a free trade agreement aimed at boosting investment.
On the other hand, the new Foreign Minister of Colombia, Omar Bula Escobar, has announced that an official statement regarding Bogotá's decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara will be released shortly.
Escobar indicated that they will be "delighted" to convey this message to King Mohammed VI. "We are starting a very strong new relationship with Morocco and with its representation of Africa and the Arab world." In addition, Colombia has committed to making an official visit to Morocco in November of this year.
The head of Moroccan diplomacy has applauded the stance of the Colombian Government and emphasized that the determination to stop recognizing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is "historic" and will give a strong boost to the ties between both nations.
"We consider Colombia an ally," Bourita noted, who has predicted a "bright future" in bilateral relations, as "they share the same values and the same needs on many regional and international issues."