Rabat: Morocco’s Lower House Speaker recently welcomed former South African President Jacob Zuma, in a meeting attended by the presidents of parliamentary groups within the House of Representatives. This gathering served as a platform to commend the MK Party’s explicit support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the House released a statement indicating that Mr. Zuma and his party endorsed the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco. They emphasized that this initiative provides a viable framework for the local governance of the Sahara’s populations while maintaining Morocco’s sovereignty over its territories.
The statement further highlighted the recognition of the historical and legal legitimacy of Morocco’s claim to the Sahara. Mr. Zuma and his party stressed that the Kingdom’s efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity are in line with the MK Party’s fundamental principles of defending national sovereignty and promoting territorial unity across Africa.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted Morocco’s African policy under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This policy focuses on solidarity, sustainable development, and South-South cooperation, all while respecting national sovereignty and the non-interference in domestic affairs.
The visit by former President Zuma also opened discussions on potential avenues for increased parliamentary cooperation. The talks covered various mutual interests, with the Moroccan representatives expressing their eagerness to enhance ties with South African parliamentarians on both bilateral and multilateral fronts.