US announces that it has begun the process to establish a consulate in Dakhla

The process of opening a United States consulate in Dakhla is launched, as announced Thursday by the US Secretary of State.

«We are inaugurating a virtual presence post for Western Sahara, with a focus on promoting economic and social development, to be followed soon by a fully functioning consulate», Mike Pompeo wrote on Thursday.

«Consistent with President Trump’s proclamation on recognizing the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over the Western Sahara, the State Department announces that it has begun the process to establish a U.S. consulate in the region», he announced.

The same source explained that this «virtual presence post will be managed by the U.S. Embassy in Rabat». «The United States looks forward to this increased engagement and we will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between Morocco and the POLISARIO within the framework of Morocco’s autonomy plan», he added.

For the record, the Trump administration announced earlier in December that it is opening an embassy in Dakhla, after it recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.