Mexico City, October 25, 2024 – Mexico has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and highlighted the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries, based on shared principles. The Mexican government reiterated its call for a resolution to the Western Sahara conflict in accordance with international law, the UN General Assembly resolutions, and the relevant decisions of the UN Security Council.
During a ceremony held on Thursday by the Sahrawi embassy in Mexico, marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Ambassador José Villanueva, Director of African Affairs at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the historic ties between the two countries. He stated that “the past decades of bilateral relations have been built on shared principles, support for peoples’ right to self-determination, and respect for international legality,” while urging the international community to “find a solution to the conflict based on these principles and the relevant UN resolutions.”
Villanueva added that Mexico’s constitutional principles underpin the country’s enduring solidarity with the Sahrawi people. “We support peoples’ right to self-determination, reject the use of force in international relations, advocate for human rights, and seek to resolve conflicts peacefully. We also strive for global peace and security, values that guide our support for the Sahrawi cause.”
The Mexican official expressed regret over the lack of progress in resolving the Western Sahara issue, noting that “more than 60 years have passed since the Western Sahara case was included on the United Nations agenda, with no tangible advances.” He reiterated Mexico’s call for the international community to intensify efforts toward a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution that ensures the Sahrawi people’s right to determine their own future.
Villanueva concluded by thanking the organizers of this “significant event” commemorating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and SADR. He also commended the Sahrawi ambassador to Mexico, Mokhtar Lebihi, for his tireless efforts in promoting awareness of the Sahrawi cause within Mexican civil society.
In his speech, Ambassador Lebihi stressed the importance of strengthening and developing bilateral relations between the two nations, expressing gratitude for Mexico’s principled support. “Mexico’s solidarity is built on respect for international law and the right of peoples to self-determination and independence,” he said.
The anniversary celebration was attended by Hama Salama, President of the Sahrawi National Council, who is visiting Mexico at the invitation of the President of the Mexican Senate to participate in a parliamentary conference. The event was also attended by Mexican lawmakers, diplomats, and representatives of civil society.
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Author: nor-eleslam
Keyphrase: Mexico supports Sahrawi self-determination
