Israeli Recognition of Sahara’s Moroccanness, a Major Diplomatic Triumph – Italian Experts

Israel’s recognition of the Moroccan identity of the Sahara is a major historic diplomatic triumph, consolidating the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, Italian experts said on Monday, underlining the geopolitical and economic impact of this decision on the region. “A new historic victory and major diplomatic triumph, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Israel’s decision consolidates the fruitful and favorable dynamic that has marked the Sovereign’s diplomacy over the years,” Italian geopolitical expert Massimiliano Boccolini told MAP, highlighting the growing international support around the national question. Boccolini cited, in this respect, the American recognition of the Moroccanity of the Sahara, the support for the autonomy plan by more than 15 European countries, including Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland, as well as the opening of some thirty consulates in the Moroccan Sahara by African, Arab and Latin American countries. In his view, this recognition will facilitate and encourage Israeli investment in Morocco’s southern provinces, which have an influential geostrategic and commercial position. “Endowed with historic significance, this recognition, which once again illustrates the Kingdom’s diplomatic relevance, will contribute to stability in the Middle East thanks to the wisdom and enlightened vision of His Majesty the King, who considers the cause of the Palestinian people to be a national cause”, said Italian political scientist Marco Baratto. Morocco is thus well placed to contribute to the promotion of peace in the Middle East. The expert also felt that Israel’s decision, which will be notified to the United Nations, opens up vast economic and investment prospects in the kingdom’s southern provinces. A statement from the Royal Office announced on Monday that His Majesty King Mohammed VI had received a letter from the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he brought to the Sovereign’s Highest Attention his country’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. In this respect, the Israeli Prime Minister indicated that his country’s position would be “reflected in all relevant acts and documents of the Israeli Government.” He also stressed that the decision would be “transmitted to the United Nations, to regional and international organizations of which Israel is a member, and to all countries with which Israel maintains diplomatic relations.” In his letter to the Sovereign, the Israeli Prime Minister informed that Israel is positively considering “the opening of a consulate in the city of Dakhla,” as part of the implementation of this State decision.