Zambia supports the territorial integrity of the kingdom, along with the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only credible and serious path towards a realistic solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
Mulambo Haimbe, Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Monday expressed his country’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Morocco over its southern provinces.
Mr. Haimbe reiterated his country’s position during a visit to the southern Moroccan city of Laayoune, where he met with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.
The two ministers notably signed a joint declaration within the framework of the 1st session of the Joint Cooperation Commission, during which Mr. Haimbe welcomed the growing international consensus that Morocco’s autonomy plan has enjoyed in recent years.
He commended the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI and his commitment to African integration, while describing the Moroccan autonomy proposal as the only viable political solution to end the Western Sahara dispute.
The Zambian top diplomat also stressed the centrality and exclusivity of the UN-led political process aimed at achieving a realistic, practical and lasting solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara.
At the end of his visit, Haimbe handed the Moroccan sovereign a written message in which he reportedly stressed his country’s readiness to deepen its relations with Morocco in a wide range of strategic areas.
Although a report by the Moroccan news agency MAP did not provide specific details on the content of the Zambian Foreign Minister’s message, his gesture is a reflection and an integral part of the ongoing discussions and political dialogue aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between Lusaka and Rabat.
Last May, the Zambian Foreign Minister made similar remarks, reaffirming his country’s determination and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Morocco at all levels.
MK/Sf/te/fss/as/APA