The Republic of Paraguay has reaffirmed its firm support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, announcing on Wednesday its decision to open a Consulate General in the Kingdom’s southern provinces, a move that further strengthens bilateral relations and underscores Asunción’s recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity.
The announcement was made by Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, during his working visit to Rabat and his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
Ramírez Lezcano reiterated Paraguay’s unwavering position in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and the Autonomy Initiative presented by the Kingdom in 2007, which Asunción considers “the only serious, credible, and realistic basis” for resolving the regional dispute.
On this occasion, the Paraguayan minister declared his country’s decision to open a Consulate General in the southern provinces “as a clear sign of support for the Kingdom’s territorial integrity.”
This step follows Paraguay’s withdrawal, in 2014, of its recognition of the so-called “SADR,” and builds on a series of joint statements and political consultations that have since consolidated the South American nation’s stance in favor of Morocco’s national cause.
The decision to establish a Consulate General in Morocco’s southern provinces marks a strong political gesture that reflects the growing recognition, in Latin America, of the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its Sahara and the dynamic friendship between Rabat and Asunción.
During the meeting, Morocco and Paraguay also reached a new milestone in their bilateral cooperation by adopting a Joint Declaration aimed at structuring and accelerating the implementation of common projects.
The two ministers agreed to deepen cooperation in several key sectors, including renewable energy, logistics, agriculture, air transport, and tourism—areas that align with both countries’ economic priorities and long-term development strategies.
They also expressed a shared ambition to build a sustainable Atlantic economic partnership founded on the complementarity of their respective strengths: Morocco as an African industrial and logistics hub, and Paraguay as a leading agro-industrial and hydroelectric power in South America.
Bourita and Ramírez Lezcano further emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Morocco and MERCOSUR to foster a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership across the South Atlantic.
Minister Bourita commended the economic vision of President Santiago Peña, centered on social justice and productive modernization, describing it as a model of inclusive development.
For his part, Minister Ramírez Lezcano praised the major African initiatives launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him—particularly the African Atlantic States Process, the Initiative to Facilitate Sahelian States’ Access to the Atlantic Ocean, and the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline—highlighting their role in promoting regional integration and shared prosperity.
Through this renewed momentum, Morocco and Paraguay are opening a new chapter in their relations—anchored in mutual respect, strategic cooperation, and a shared commitment to stability and sustainable development across the Atlantic.
