DRC Reiterates Historical Position in Support for Moroccanness of Sahara

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The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’Apala reiterated, on Thursday, the historical position of support by the DRC to the Moroccanness of the Sahara as well as the entire solidarity of his country with Morocco for the search for a lasting solution to this dispute, within the framework of the sovereignty of the Kingdom and under the exclusive aegis of the UN. Lutundula Apala was speaking during a videoconference meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad Nasser Bourita. In this regard, the two ministers insisted on the need to respect the standards and procedures within the bodies of the African Union (AU), and reaffirmed the relevance of decision 693 of the AU Summit of Heads of State and of government dated July 2018, which established the exclusivity of the UN as a framework for the search for a solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad. In addition, the two ministers lauded the excellent and historical ties of friendship and solidarity between the two countries, which are experiencing a new impetus in accordance with the guidelines of HM King Mohammed VI and of His Brother President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and their common desire to make Moroccan-Congolese relations a model of inter-African cooperation, based on the values ​​of solidarity, exchange and sharing. Addressing the situation in the DRC, Bourita praised the efforts made by the Congolese authorities for the promotion of democracy, security and development. He also paid tribute to the initiatives and actions undertaken by President Tshisekedi, in his capacity as current Chairman of the AU, ensuring respect and defense of the sovereignty and unity of African States. The minister also praised the contribution of the Congolese President to the efforts of the international community for the promotion of regional peace and stability, the statement said. Bourita and Lutundula Apala noted the perfect convergence of their views on the various issues of common interest, stressing the importance of strengthening communication and coordination in the various international forums. Bourita reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to support the DRC in its development efforts, particularly in areas with high socio-economic impact such as agriculture, health, water, electricity and renewable energy. The two ministers agreed on the organization of the 6th session of the Morocco-DRC Joint Committee before the end of the year and also examined the possibility of establishing a mechanism for political consultations and scheduling a Morocco-DRC Economic Forum, in 2022 in Kinshasa, the source said. Bourita and Lutundula Apala stressed the need to revitalize the Morocco-DRC Business Council in order to further promote trade and economic exchanges between the two countries and to take advantage of the Congolese consular presence in Dakhla, which is called to become a hub for regional economic integration, concluded the ministry.