In a statement to MAP following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Salaheddine Mezouar, Ms. Castaneda stressed that the implementation of the autonomy plan, which she described as "important," will allow Morocco to exercise its sovereignty over its southern provinces, which will help create a momentum that ensures economic development and stability for people of the region.
In this context, the Panamanian official, who visited the southern provinces, expressed admiration for the economic development in Morocco, especially in the Sahara region, in recent years, highlighting the position played by women at the Moroccan political and economic landscape.
"I believe that Morocco is engaged in a process of development and progress, in a national context in which the people enjoy democracy and prosperity," she said, indicating that it is likely to raise the Kingdom to a model in this area.
Ms. Castaneda, on the other hand, stressed that reconciliation relations between the two countries will be consolidated after the opening of the Embassy of Morocco, a "friendly country", and the creation of friendship groups within the Moroccan and Panamanian legislative institutions.
During these discussions, which took place in the presence of the Ambassador of Morocco in Panama with residence in Bogota, Noureddine Khalifa, Mezouar said Morocco presented autonomy plan for the final settlement of the Sahara issue a remnant of the cold war, exploited by the enemies of territorial integrity to undermine the legitimate rights of the Kingdom.
He added that Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, has undergone profound reforms in all directions and saw a dynamic development, while firmly believing in its assets for achieving development and stability. The Kingdom, he added, is also working to strengthen its relations with the third world countries in the framework of South-South partnership, which is an exemplary model of development in the 21st century.
Mezouar is on an official visit to Panama where several cooperation agreements were to be signed Tuesday between Morocco and Panama in the fields of culture, academic and diplomatic training as well as free and industrial zones.
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