This important seminar aims to launch a new reflection on this regional dispute in all its aspects, in light of the latest developments in the United Nations and on the ground, as well as the launch of the Atlantic Initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, announced on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the triumphant Green March (November 6, 2023).
In a speech on the occasion, Ali Khalil, Governor of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, stressed that Dakhla regularly hosts major international events, attracting many dignitaries, including heads of state, governments, ministers, parliamentarians, governmental and non-governmental organizations.
These dignitaries and organizations were briefed on the socio-economic projects that have been completed or are underway in the region, he added, pointing out in this regard some of the major projects, particularly the Atlantic Port of Dakhla, the Tiznit-Dakhla highway and the project to irrigate 5,000 hectares through desalination of seawater.
Mr. Khalil highlighted that all these major projects will make the southern regions of the Kingdom in general, and Dakhla in particular, an important economic pole, reinforcing its position as Morocco's main gateway to Africa and the rest of the world.
For his part, Abdellatif Aidra, coordinator of the Coalition for Autonomy in the Sahara, emphasized that this seminar aims to launch objective and constructive discussions in light of the "unprecedented achievements" that the Moroccan Sahara is witnessing in terms of socio-economic development.
He explained that this meeting comes in light of the strong support shown by almost the majority of the international community in favor of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, as the only solution to settle this issue once and for all at the United Nations.
These discussions will help clarify the facts and promote a discourse aimed at enlightening international public opinion about the lies and false allegations propagated by Algeria, Aidra said.
He stressed that the choice of Dakhla to host this major event is an opportunity to enable all participants to see the city's progress in terms of infrastructure and the realization of structured projects aimed at making it an essential hub for investment and development.
"Since the beginning of the Moroccan Sahara issue, Senegal has always maintained its support for Morocco and its territorial integrity," he said, adding that his country, which considers this issue as a national cause, has shown its support on many occasions, including within the African Union, where it was one of the strongest defenders of Morocco's return to the African organization in 2017, and of the Kingdom's positions within African institutions.
President of the Council of the Dakhla Oued Eddahab, Khatat Yanja, highlighted that this region, like the rest of the southern regions of the Kingdom, is living in the rhythm of major structured projects in all fields, enabling it to continue its take-off and progress at a steady pace within the framework of the new development model.
In this regard, he reviewed the various major projects completed or underway in the region, especially the Atlantic Port of Dakhla, which is of strategic importance for West Africa and the southern provinces, and will promote economic, social and industrial development in the region, in all its productive sectors, as well as its radiance as an economic pole.
The meeting was attended by members of the Alliance for Sahara Autonomy from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, as well as local elected officials and parliamentarians from the Moroccan Sahara.
The program of this seminar includes several panel discussions, as well as field visits to structured projects that fall within the framework of the new development model for the southern provinces.
The Coalition for Sahara Autonomy is an autonomous organization of more than 3,000 politicians, parliamentarians, diplomats, academics, journalists, lawyers and civil society representatives from all continents, whose common cause is to advocate, in various political, parliamentary and university circles, for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the only and only solution for a final settlement of this regional dispute.
News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS
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