Italy commends Morocco’s serious, credible efforts to settle Sahara issue

The government of Italy has recognized Morocco’s “serious and credible efforts” made for reaching a lasting and peaceful solution to the Sahara issue, dealing a hard blow to Algeria and its polisario puppet.

The supportive stand was expressed in the Action Plan for Multidimensional Strategic Partnership inked Wednesday in Rome by Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his Italian peer Antonio Tajani.

“Italy commends the serious and credible efforts made by Morocco” for the settlement of the Sahara issue in line with Security Council Resolution 2654 of October 27, 2022, says the document, making reference to the autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara under its sovereignty.

The European country also reaffirms its support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General to advance the political process aimed at achieving a just, realistic, pragmatic, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue, adds the document.

In the action plan, which lays the foundations for a renewed and ambitious bilateral partnership, Italy welcomed the far-reaching reforms undertaken by Morocco over the last two decades under the impetus of King Mohammed VI, and the efforts made towards political, economic and social development. Rome had also praised the Sovereign’s efforts to promote development, stability and growth in the African continent.

The Moroccan-Italian action plan, which builds on from the Joint Declaration signed in Rabat on November 1, 2019, gives a new impetus to the strategic partnership sealed by the two countries committed to consulting each other on geostrategic issues of common concern and to promoting mutually beneficial tripartite cooperation with African partners.

The joint action plan focuses on political & diplomatic dialogue, strengthens bilateral cooperation in matters of security and justice, and enhances further partnership in economy, energy and sustainable development.

The two countries also pledge to step up cooperation in culture, universities, research and development, intercultural & inter-religious dialogue, migration, and consular issues.

Under the action plan, Morocco and Italy agreed to set up a Partnership Ministerial Council which will convene annually in Rabat and Rome to discuss priority sectors, make recommendations, assess the progress made, and draw up joint future actions.