Last Thursday, the relevance of the autonomy plan presented by Morocco as a solution to the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara was highlighted in Barcelona during a roundtable that brought together Moroccan and foreign diplomats, parliamentarians, academics, and students.
This meeting was organized by the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomacy and International Relations, in partnership with the University of Barcelona and the Consulate General of the Kingdom in the Catalan capital, as part of parallel diplomacy efforts to defend major national issues.
In a speech on the occasion, the Consul General of the Kingdom in Barcelona, Cherif Cherkaoui, affirmed that the issue of the Moroccan Sahara constitutes a cornerstone of Morocco's foreign policy, emphasizing the growing international awareness of the justice of the Moroccan position.
In this context, the Moroccan diplomat praised the role of civil society, particularly youth, in strengthening the Kingdom's academic and diplomatic presence abroad.
Council President Moataz Kabri highlighted the pivotal role played by Moroccan youth abroad in defending the Kingdom's interests through organized and innovative citizen diplomacy.
He also noted that the Kingdom's southern provinces are experiencing a development boom in several sectors, particularly infrastructure, education, and investment, within the framework of the new development model launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Council Vice-President Aicha Moussa emphasized the importance of addressing the Sahara issue from its legal and political perspectives, as well as its regional and international dimensions, enabling young people to engage with it within a scientific and responsible approach.
She also called for the need to invest in European university campuses to amplify Morocco's voice in the academic arena and to encourage Moroccan students to actively engage in defending their nation's supreme causes.
Ahmed Benalla, political advisor to the Catalan region, considered the autonomy plan presented by Morocco a serious and credible proposal, enjoying broad support from the international community. He emphasized that it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to finding a lasting political solution within the framework of respect for its national sovereignty.
The other speakers emphasized the importance of this type of initiative in enhancing Morocco's international image, praising the rich discussions and diversity of topics covered during this roundtable.
News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS