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«Regarding the issue of Western Sahara, my position has always been clear: territorial integrity and respect for Moroccan sovereignty. This is a matter that Moroccans, as brothers, must resolve. It is enough to respect and support the process». This statement was made by Gustavo Pacheco Villar, President of the Andean Parliament, during his official visit to Morocco from March 31 to April 4. The Andean Parliament is the governing and deliberative body of the Andean Community, conformed by representatives of its four member states Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and one associate member, Chile.
Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Wednesday, he expressed his gratitude to Morocco for its respect for international law and the sovereignty of nations.
«We want Morocco to continue progressing in respecting its history, traditions, laws, sovereignty, and territorial integrity», he stated, adding that despite «nuanced voices», the country remains on a path of democratic progress.
A self-proclaimed «adoptive son of Morocco», Pacheco Villar spoke of his deep attachment to the country, which he first encountered 40 years ago. He highlighted his admiration for Fez, home to the world’s oldest university, founded by Fatima Al-Fihriya in the 9th century, and Tangier’s legendary traveler, Ibn Battuta.
Pacheco Villar also noted the generational shift in Morocco’s leadership, which he views as essential for continuing the reform process initiated by the late King Hassan II and former Foreign Minister Mohammed Benaissa.
«We have met authorities from a new generation. This ensures the continuity of a process that began years ago. The Foreign Minister urged us to move toward concrete actions to strengthen cooperation», he stated.
Ph. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad
Highlighting the strong ties between the Andean Parliament and Morocco, which he described as an «African miracle», he revealed that his working visit included a trip to Laayoune to explore socio-economic cooperation.
«I have visited this region before and witnessed the remarkable progress and development achieved over the past decades. We look forward to engaging with Sahrawi leaders», he affirmed.
Morocco as a Strategic Partner for Latin America
Pacheco Villar emphasized Morocco’s strategic role as a gateway to both Africa and Europe for Latin American nations. He pointed out that the four regional parliaments in Latin America—Parlacen, Parlazur, Parlatino, and the Andean Parliament—are collaborating more closely, with Morocco as a key partner.
As part of this effort, he announced a joint meeting with the European Parliament’s Eurolat, scheduled for the first week of June in Lima, Peru. Morocco has been invited to actively participate and co-organize discussions, reflecting its growing engagement in South-South cooperation.
Ph. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living AbroadPh. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad
A Multisectoral Approach to South-South Cooperation
Colombian deputy Oscar Dario Pérez, Vice President of the Andean Parliament and part of the visiting delegation, highlighted the «win-win vision» underpinning this partnership.
«In today’s interconnected world, economic and social development must be driven by increased trade, industrial growth, services, technology exchanges, and cultural cooperation», he stated.
He further emphasized Morocco’s remarkable progress in infrastructure, energy transition, environmental policies, poverty reduction, GDP growth, and overall quality of life.
«This is not a short-term process but a long-term transformation. The indicators show that Morocco is moving in the right direction, with much already achieved», he added.
Earlier in the day, Pacheco Villar addressed a joint session with Morocco’s Chamber of Advisors, where he praised the country’s role as an observer member of the Andean Parliament.
To further strengthen ties, he announced plans to enhance academic cooperation through the Andean Network of Universities. In partnership with Moroccan institutions, the initiative aims to launch master’s and doctoral programs focused on relations between Morocco, the Arab world, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
