Rabat: The attempted entry into Laayoune by four members of the European Parliament and two of their escorts has been described as a ‘stir without any impact’ by Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates. This statement was made on Tuesday in Rabat during a press briefing following Bourita’s discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Regional Integration of the Republic of Cabo Verde. Bourita emphasized that Morocco exercises full sovereignty over its Southern provinces, as it does over its entire national territory.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the Kingdom, including its Southern provinces, hosts millions of tourists annually, as well as officials and official delegations. Bourita cited the example of the recent visit by the Speaker of the French Senate to Laayoune, along with numerous visits from businessmen and international officials to Morocco.

Bourita further explained that, similar to other countries around the world, all visits to Morocco-whether for official, touristic, or specific mission purposes-are required to adhere to clear organizational procedures within a regulated framework, in line with existing laws.

The Minister emphasized that anyone who complies with these regulations is welcome in Morocco. He added that the law is applicable to those who attempt to breach these regulations, as is standard in other countries. Bourita stressed that such attempts have no effect on Morocco, reaffirming the nation’s full sovereignty over its Southern provinces and the rest of its national territory.