Colombia has announced a major shift in its position on the Sahara issue, recognising Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory’s southern provinces.

The decision was announced on Friday during a meeting between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates and Colombia’s Vice-President José Manuel Restrepo, in the presence of Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.

Mr Bula Escobar confirmed the change, stating that Colombia “recognises Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.”

The announcement marks a significant change in Colombia’s position on the disputed territory.

Vice-President Restrepo described the decision as “a new beginning” for relations between the two countries.

He also described Morocco as “Colombia’s first ally in Africa” and expressed his country’s determination to establish a strategic partnership with the Kingdom.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed the development, describing Colombia’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the Polisario-backed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and recognise Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara as “historic.”

He said the decision could give “great momentum” to relations between Morocco and Colombia.

Mr Bourita also pointed to opportunities for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.

He said Morocco and Colombia could serve as economic platforms for each other by leveraging their respective strategic positions in Africa and Latin America.

The Moroccan minister was in Cali at the “Very High Instructions” of King Mohammed VI to represent the Sovereign at the investiture ceremony of Colombia’s new President, Abelardo de la Espriella.

According to Mr Bourita, his presence at the ceremony reflects Morocco’s determination to build on the new momentum and elevate relations with Colombia to a higher level.