The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, reaffirmed on Wednesday in Laayoune her country’s firm and unwavering support for the Autonomy Plan presented by Morocco in 2007 as the only viable solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
During a visit to the Consulate General of Eswatini in Laayoune, which opened in October 2020, Minister Dlamini Shakantu hailed the sustained development momentum taking place in Morocco’s southern provinces, describing it as a tangible reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to progress and stability under the leadership of Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Speaking to the press following her visit, the Eswatini foreign minister emphasized that her country’s diplomatic representation in Laayoune — one of the first consulates to open in the capital of the Moroccan Sahara — symbolizes the depth of friendship between the two kingdoms and their shared determination to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
“Having come here, we wanted to visit our consular office in Laayoune, a symbol of the good relations that we've had and our will to expand our commercial, cultural, and touristic cooperation,” she stated in the presence of Abdeslam Bekrate, the wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region and governor of Laayoune province.
Dlamini Shakantu further underlined her country’s intention to encourage Eswatini’s economic operators to explore the promising opportunities emerging in Morocco’s southern provinces, which have witnessed remarkable growth as a result of major structural projects implemented under the guidance of the Moroccan Monarch.
The minister also highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation as a cornerstone for bringing African nations closer together, noting that Morocco plays a leading role in promoting development and integration across the African continent.
Earlier in Rabat, the Eswatini top diplomat co-chaired with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, the first session of the Joint Cooperation Commission between the two countries — a platform aimed at reinforcing political dialogue and advancing partnerships in trade, education, and investment.
The visit reaffirmed Eswatini’s consistent and principled position in favor of Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while underscoring the two nations’ shared vision for mutual development and African solidarity.
