Colombia has made a significant shift in its position on the Sahara issue by affirming the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its southern provinces, in a diplomatic and political move that opens a new chapter in relations between Rabat and Bogotá and could give fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.
The announcement came during a meeting held on Friday between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, in the presence of Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Durán, amid the country’s ongoing political transition.
The new position represents a clear change in Bogotá’s approach to the Sahara issue, particularly compared with the positions adopted by the previous government under President Gustavo Petro. The new Colombian administration therefore appears to be charting a different course in its foreign policy towards Morocco.
Colombia’s vice president described the development as the beginning of a “new chapter” in relations between the two countries, while expressing Bogotá’s willingness to strengthen political and economic cooperation with Rabat.
Nasser Bourita, for his part, described the decision as “historic”, arguing that it could provide a strong boost to bilateral relations. Colombia has also expressed its interest in moving towards a strategic partnership with Morocco and expanding prospects for economic and investment cooperation.
The significance of Colombia’s shift also lies in the country’s political and economic weight in Latin America. For Morocco, Bogotá’s new position represents a significant diplomatic development that could further strengthen Morocco’s position and partnerships across the region.
The rapprochement is not limited to the political sphere. Morocco and Colombia are also seeking to expand economic and commercial ties, with discussions focusing on investment opportunities and the possibility of moving towards a free trade agreement in the future to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
The development therefore points to a broader Moroccan-Colombian partnership in which political rapprochement could serve as a gateway to stronger economic and strategic cooperation, potentially marking a new phase in relations between Rabat and Bogotá.