Saudi Arabia takes its recognition of Moroccan Sahara to more tangible level

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince gave a directive ordering the administrations of his country to use only maps that show the full territory of the Moroccan Kingdom including the Sahara territory.

Prince Mohammad Bin Salman also gave directives to drop the appellation “Western Sahara” in referring to the Moroccan Sahara in Saudi official jargon.

The order was transmitted by head of the Saudi Royal Court, Fahd Bin Mohamed El Essa, who sent the instruction to all the ministries, administrations, and educational institutions of the country.

Saudi Arabia has been an ardent supporter of Morocco’s territorial integrity in the UN and has stood as a bulwark against attempts by Algeria and South Africa to invite the Polisario separatist group to an Africa-Arab league summit, that was due to be held in Riyadh but was postponed sine die.

Saudi Arabia and the other GCC countries recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over all its territories including the Sahara.

The Saudi decision is another show of support for Morocco, following the opening of consulates in the Sahara territory by the UAE and Bahrain.