The Central American Parliament Reaffirms Its Support for Morocco’s Territorial Integrity and the Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara
Central American Parliament Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Territorial Integrity and Autonomy Initiative in the Sahara
In a declaration adopted in Laâyoune following a joint meeting commemorating the 10th anniversary of Morocco’s accession to the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) as a permanent observer member, the Parlacen reaffirmed its respect for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory. The body supports the Moroccan autonomy initiative as a "realistic and credible solution" to the dispute surrounding the Sahara region.
The "Laâyoune Declaration," signed by the President of the Chamber of Counselors, Mohamed Ould Errachid, and the President of Parlacen, Carlos René Hernández, highlights the socio-economic development efforts observed in the southern provinces of Morocco, fully aligning with the principles of the Parlacen: respect for state sovereignty, non-interference, dialogue, and peaceful solutions.
The declaration also emphasizes the importance of Morocco’s Atlantic initiative to connect Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, positioning the Kingdom’s Atlantic coast as a strategic logistical hub towards Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Both parties expressed their willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation, coordinate in international forums, and support the organization of the Regional Forum on Immigration scheduled for the end of the month in the Dominican Republic.
Furthermore, there was a strong emphasis on the need for joint action to realize the objectives of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum, whose secretariat is now operational within the Chamber of Counselors.
The text underscores Morocco’s central role in the region as a strategic partner for Africa and the Arab world, owing to its geostrategic position and the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Relations between the Kingdom and Central American countries are founded on mutual respect and consultation.
Since 2015, Morocco has been the first Maghreb, African, and Arab country to integrate into the Parlacen as a permanent observer. This collaboration has facilitated the establishment of the Afro-Latin American Parliamentary Forum (AFROLAC), whose secretariat is also based in Rabat.
Finally, the declaration stresses the strategic importance of South-South cooperation in light of current geopolitical upheavals, positioning it as a pillar of foreign policy for both regions, in favor of sustainable development, dialogue, and solidarity among peoples.
