Suriname reaffirms support for Morocco’s territorial integrity

Suriname has expressed outright support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, the Sahara, and backed Morocco’s efforts to settle the regional dispute within the framework of the UN. This came in a joint statement issued following a visit by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Suriname where he held talks with his counterpart Yldiz PollackBeighle on the means to strengthen trade and investments as well as exchange of experience and cultural cooperation. Suriname had been supporting Polisario’s ‘independence’ claims since 1982 when it recognized the selfproclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) but changed its position on the matter in 2016 to start relations with Morocco.

“The government of the Republic of Suriname reiterates its decision of March 9, 2016 which has been shared with the UN stating that it withdrew recognition of the socalled SADR Republic (Polisario)”, said the joint declaration. Suriname said its position is “principled in favor of dialogue and peaceful solutions crises” while lauding “Morocco’s commitment to finding a lasting political and mutuallyacceptable solution” to the conflict.

Suriname also called on all the parties to continue on the path of dialogue “in order to reach a solution within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, said the statement. The Moroccan FM and his Surinamese counterpart also discussed cooperation within the UN and the need to enhance multilateralism in tackling global issues and crises.

of Bourita’s visit to Suriname is part of a regional tour that previously led him to the Dominican Republic.

Both Foreign ministers signed two cooperation agreements on trade and investment and on tourist and business visa exemption. The first agreement provides for the creation of a joint working group tasked with fostering economic and trade relations between the two countries, promoting the sharing of data, strategies and expertise between the public and private sectors, and exploring ways to improve the business climate.