Paraguay Recognizes Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Sahara, Announces Opening of Consulate General in Dakhla
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The Republic of Paraguay has formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara by announcing the opening of a Consulate General in the southern provinces of the Kingdom. The announcement was made by Paraguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rubén Ramírez Lezcano during a high-level diplomatic meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on Wednesday in Rabat.
Minister Ramírez Lezcano reaffirmed Paraguay’s firm and unequivocal support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its 2007 autonomy initiative, describing it as “the only serious, credible, and realistic basis for resolving the regional dispute.”
Following their talks, Morocco and Paraguay adopted a joint declaration aimed at accelerating the implementation of shared projects and expanding cooperation in key sectors including renewable energy, logistics, agriculture, air transport, and tourism. Both sides highlighted significant untapped potential in trade and agreed to create practical frameworks to enhance bilateral exchange, particularly in complementary industries.
The two countries also committed to building a sustainable Atlantic economic partnership based on their respective strengths — with Morocco serving as an industrial and logistics hub for Africa, and Paraguay as a leading agricultural and hydroelectric power producer in South America.
Both ministers underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between Morocco and the South American trade bloc Mercosur to promote balanced and mutually supportive ties between the two shores of the South Atlantic. The discussion came as Paraguay prepares to assume the chairmanship of Mercosur, opening new prospects for expanded economic and political cooperation.
Minister Bourita commended Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s economic vision, focused on social justice and modernization, while Minister Ramírez Lezcano praised the strategic initiatives led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, including the Process of African Atlantic States, the Initiative for Access of Sahel States to the Atlantic Ocean, and the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
“This visit takes place within the framework of an ascending political dynamic between our two countries, driven by a clear and responsible will to intensify partnership,” Bourita said, emphasizing the shared vision of both nations’ leaders to elevate relations to a strategic level.
Ramírez Lezcano’s announcement of the Consulate General marks a tangible and symbolic step in Paraguay’s recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity. This move builds upon Paraguay’s 2014 withdrawal of recognition of the self-proclaimed “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” and further consolidates its unwavering support for Morocco’s national cause — a stance increasingly shared across Latin America.
During the meeting, the ministers also discussed security cooperation, focusing on combating organized crime through intelligence sharing and joint initiatives, as well as expanding social and cultural integration through academic exchanges and scholarship programmes. Both sides agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties to complement their expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Minister Ramírez Lezcano conveyed greetings from President Santiago Peña to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and expressed gratitude for Morocco’s warm hospitality. He underscored Paraguay’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties, describing Morocco as a strategic ally and a gateway to Africa and the Gulf region, while Paraguay would serve as Morocco’s entry point to the Mercosur and Latin American markets.
Highlighting food security as a strategic area for collaboration, the Paraguayan minister noted his country’s role in feeding over 100 million people worldwide and expressed readiness to work with Morocco on initiatives that strengthen global agricultural sustainability.
Both ministers agreed to hold a business forum in the near future to connect private sector stakeholders and explore concrete investment opportunities. They also discussed the possibility of trilateral cooperation involving African, Arab, and Mercosur partners to advance shared development goals.
The visit by Minister Ramírez Lezcano, his first to Morocco, included meetings with senior Moroccan officials across various sectors, reflecting the growing depth and multidimensional nature of Moroccan-Paraguayan relations.
The two nations also highlighted their shared experience as hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup — with Paraguay co-hosting alongside Argentina and Uruguay, and Morocco jointly organizing with Spain and Portugal — viewing the event as a unique opportunity to expand cooperation in infrastructure, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Minister Bourita concluded by commending Paraguay’s “firm openness to Africa” and its “genuine willingness to engage with continental dynamics,” affirming that Morocco fully supports Paraguay’s reform and development agenda under President Peña’s leadership.
