In recent days, several Algerian media outlets have attempted to spread false claims that Morocco was excluded from the Panama International Book Fair for political reasons linked to the Western Sahara issue. In reality, the situation on the ground was entirely different.
In a major shift in its stance, Panama has recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. This marks a new direction in Panama City's position, following its decision to suspend relations with the Polisario and its support for the autonomy proposal as outlined by Morocco.
During a meeting with his counterpart Nasser Bourita on Monday, Panama’s Foreign Minister expressed his country’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara. Speaking at a joint press conference, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez described the proposal as «the most serious, credible, and realistic basis for progressing toward a lasting resolution» of the dispute, even calling it «the only basis» for a future solution.