The Colombian Congress Reaffirms Its Support for Morocco and the Territorial Integrity of the Sahara.

Colombian Congress President Reaffirms Support for Morocco in Western Sahara Conflict

The President of the Colombian Congress, Senator Efrain Cepeda, has reiterated the support of the Colombian legislative assembly for Morocco in the context of the Western Sahara conflict, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

In a statement released by Congress following a meeting between Mr. Cepeda and the Ambassador of Morocco to Colombia, Ms. Farida Loudaya, the Congress president expressed his disagreement with the position of Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding the Polisario, which is considered a separatist group by various sectors in Morocco. He highlighted that the Colombian government’s recognition of the Polisario had been rejected by over 70% of the Republic’s Senate members through a motion passed in November 2023.

During this meeting, Mr. Cepeda also stressed the significance of maintaining and enhancing bilateral relations with Morocco, pointing out the substantial trade ties between the two nations. According to official figures, trade between Colombia and Morocco reached $350 million in 2022. Colombian exports include coal, coffee, and chemical products, while Morocco increased its supply of fertilizers and agricultural products to the Colombian market.

The Congress president questioned the impact of the Colombian government’s stance, particularly in light of its intention to strengthen ties with Africa. He urged the Colombian executive to "reconsider" its position, noting that President Petro’s alleged desire to bolster relations with Africa is undermined by his stance toward Morocco.

Mr. Cepeda reaffirmed his total support for Morocco, emphasizing the need to continue developing crucial trade relations between the two countries. He expressed hope that the Colombian government would reconsider its decision.

Senator Cepeda is also recognized as a strong advocate for Morocco’s territorial integrity within the Colombian Congress and Senate. He was one of the signatories of motions supporting Morocco in October 2022 and November 2023, which were adopted by 63 and 65 senators, respectively, reaffirming their support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Participating in the meeting were Senators German Alcides Blanco Alvarez, President of the Colombia-Morocco Friendship Group, and Paola Andrea Holguin Moreno, a member of the Foreign Relations Commission and the Colombia-Morocco Friendship Group, both of whom also signed the motions supporting Morocco.