Strengthening South-South cooperation and supporting Morocco's territorial integrity

Thursday 03 April 2025 - 09:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

Strengthening South-South cooperation and supporting Morocco's territorial integrity

On Wednesday in Rabat, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, met with Gustavo Pacheco Villar, the President of the Andean Parliament. Following the meeting, Mr. Pacheco Viar expressed his full support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, affirming the kingdom's sovereignty over its southern regions. He praised Morocco’s commitment to upholding international law and highlighted the economic and developmental progress in the southern provinces of the country.

Mr. Pacheco Viar also emphasized his intention to foster stronger South-South cooperation between Latin America and Morocco, which he described as a key gateway to both Africa and Europe. Meanwhile, Oscar Dario Perez, the Vice President of the Andean Parliament and Colombian legislator, acknowledged Morocco's impressive development under King Mohammed VI's leadership, particularly in infrastructure, energy transition, environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, and economic growth, which has improved the quality of life for Moroccan citizens.

Perez further stressed the importance of South-South integration that benefits all parties, particularly in the economic, social, trade, industrial, humanitarian, technological, cultural, and service sectors. He noted Morocco’s strategic location and its growing role as a key partner for both the European Union and the United States, and expressed interest from Andean Parliament members to learn from Morocco’s experiences.

Lastly, Perez highlighted the pivotal role parliamentary diplomacy must play in strengthening relations between Morocco and Latin America. Morocco has been an observer and advanced partner in the Andean Parliament, established in October 1979, representing the people of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. The parliament aims to harmonize legislation, enhance cooperation among member states' parliaments, and promote regional integration and participatory democracy.