New york: Papua New Guinea has reiterated its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, as discussed in a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his counterpart from Papua New Guinea, Justin Tkatchenko. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly High-level Week.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the two countries signed a cooperation roadmap for 2025-2027. This aligns with the High Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for enhancing South-South cooperation with developing countries across various regions. The roadmap signifies Papua New Guinea’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern Provinces and endorses the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the sole solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

Papua New Guinea affirmed that the Sahara region has always been an integral part of Moroccan territory. The country commended Morocco’s efforts to achieve a realistic and sustainable political solution, based on compromise, to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. The statement emphasized that the Moroccan autonomy initiative is the only solution to this dispute, aligning with Security Council resolutions since 2007, including resolution 2756 of October 31, 2024.

The support from Papua New Guinea further solidifies the international backing Morocco receives to resolve the regional conflict definitively. Additionally, Papua New Guinea expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Pacific Island States.

Papua New Guinea also lauded the Sovereign’s vision for South-South cooperation and Morocco’s role as a hub for Southern countries. The roadmap agreed upon will allow Morocco to contribute to the development of Papua New Guinea through a mutually beneficial partnership.