Marrakech – Paraguay materialized its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara by announcing the opening of a Consulate General during a high-level diplomatic meeting held on Wednesday in Rabat.
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano made the announcement during talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.
The Paraguayan diplomat reaffirmed his country’s full support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and the autonomy initiative presented by Rabat in 2007, describing it as “the only serious, credible and realistic basis for resolving the regional dispute.”
Additionally, the two countries adopted a joint declaration to structure and accelerate the implementation of common projects. They agreed to intensify cooperation in renewable energy, logistics, agriculture, air transport, and tourism.
The ministers discussed multiple bilateral agreements for trade promotion, with both sides acknowledging significant untapped potential. The partnership will focus on creating practical frameworks to boost commercial exchange, particularly in sectors where complementary strengths exist.
Morocco and Paraguay aim to build a sustainable Atlantic economic partnership based on their complementary assets. Morocco positions itself as an African industrial and logistics hub, while Paraguay serves as a major player in agro-industry and hydroelectric power in South America.
Specifically, both ministers also agreed to strengthen cooperation between Morocco and the South American trade bloc Mercosur to promote a balanced and supportive association between the two shores of the South Atlantic.
This collaboration holds particular importance as Paraguay prepares to assume the chairmanship of Mercosur, presenting new opportunities to deepen economic ties.
Bourita praised Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s economic vision, focused on social justice and productive modernization.
Meanwhile, Ramírez Lezcano stressed the significance of major African initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, including the Process of African Atlantic States, the Initiative for Access of Sahel States to the Atlantic Ocean, and the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
“This visit takes place within the framework of an ascending political dynamic between our two countries, driven by a clear and responsible will to intensify partnership,” said Bourita. He noted that bilateral relations draw inspiration from the vision of both countries’ leaders to elevate the relationship to a promising strategic partnership.
Materialized support
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano met today in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.
Ramírez Lezcano’s announcement that Paraguay would soon open a Consulate General in Morocco’s southern provinces shows a clear sign of support for the territorial integrity of the North African country.
This position continues Paraguay’s 2014 withdrawal of recognition of the separatist Polisario Front’s self-styled “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (SADR) and follows joint declarations that have since consolidated Paraguayan support for Morocco’s national cause.
The decision constitutes a resolute geopolitical statement – a deliberate act of diplomatic alignment that reflects the emerging consensus across Latin America, affirming Morocco’s legitimate and irreversible sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The meeting also marks a major advancement in diplomatic relations between the two nations that, despite being separated by the Atlantic Ocean, share common aspirations for sovereignty and development.
World Cup 2030 creates shared opportunity
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano met today in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.
A notable area of convergence between the two nations centers on their roles in hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Ramírez Lezcano pointed to this shared experience as an opportunity for knowledge exchange and cooperation.
“We also share the fact that we will host the 2030 World Cup finals,” said the Paraguayan minister. “The first part of these competitions will be in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while the second stage will be organized in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.”
The minister, visiting the North African country for the first time, spoke admiringly of Morocco’s infrastructure development, noting, “I was truly surprised and impressed by the infrastructure that Morocco enjoys. We can learn a great deal from this experience.”
He suggested that sporting events provide an avenue for social integration and development cooperation between the nations.
The upcoming World Cup presents opportunities for both countries to work on joint infrastructure projects, security coordination, and tourism promotion. The Moroccan experience in infrastructure development, particularly in sports facilities, transportation networks, and hospitality services, offers valuable expertise that Paraguay hopes to leverage.
Paraguay strengthens ties with the African continent
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano met today in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.
“Morocco commends Paraguay’s firm openness to the African continent through the opening of its embassy in Rabat and its official decision to soon open a Consulate General in Dakhla,” Bourita stated.
He added that this important step gives their partnership special symbolic significance and embodies effective solidarity and genuine willingness to engage with African continental dynamics.
Bourita described Paraguay’s consistent support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as making the country “a loyal ally due to its conviction, respected and heard on the continental scene in Latin America.”
The Moroccan minister took the opportunity to commend the profound reforms taking place in Paraguay under President Santiago Peña’s leadership, aimed at consolidating social justice, economic prosperity, and effective diplomacy. These policy directions align with Morocco’s structural priorities as outlined by King Mohammed VI.
“Morocco fully supports the dynamic that Paraguay is engaged in and reaffirms its support for reform and development in this friendly country,” said Bourita. He emphasized a flexible and focused approach through concrete economic partnerships, enhanced trade exchanges, and complementary cooperation in strategic areas for both countries.
Security cooperation, social and cultural integration take center stage
The ministers addressed security concerns, with special attention to security and combating organized crime. Ramírez Lezcano noted that this fight must be undertaken as “a shared challenge that presents not only difficulties but also opportunities to create favorable conditions for our citizens.”
This security dimension adds depth to the partnership, as both countries face transnational threats that require coordinated responses. The ministers agreed to explore mechanisms for intelligence sharing and joint security initiatives that respect sovereignty while enhancing mutual security capabilities.
“We also addressed social and cultural integration between the two countries, which is very important,” said the Paraguayan minister. He pointed to scholarship programs that allow Paraguayan students to study in Morocco and noted that similar opportunities should be available for Moroccan students to experience Latin America firsthand.
The ministers further discussed expanding educational exchanges and cultural programs to foster a deeper understanding between their peoples. These people-to-people connections would complement the high-level diplomatic and economic engagement.
Each country serves as entry point for the other
Ramírez Lezcano conveyed greetings from the Paraguayan people and President Santiago Peña to King Mohammed VI. “I want to thank you for the warm reception and hospitality we have received from your government and you personally,” he said.
“For Paraguay, the Kingdom of Morocco is considered a strategic ally in our strategic vision,” the Paraguayan minister stated. He expressed gratitude for King Mohammed VI’s invitation to President Santiago Peña to visit Morocco, noting it would be “an opportune occasion to demonstrate mutual support between our countries.”
Asunción’s diplomat spoke about both countries’ commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, freedom, and human rights. “It is very important for both countries to continue working and deepening relations and also continue the open-door policy mentioned by the Minister,” he said.
“Paraguay wants to enter Africa through Morocco’s gateway and to the Gulf region, and we are working seriously in this direction,” Ramírez Lezcano stated. “Likewise, Paraguay for Morocco is the entry point to Mercosur and will also be an entry point to the Latin American and Caribbean region.”
The minister noted that Paraguay will soon chair Mercosur and extended an invitation from President Peña to King Mohammed VI to visit Paraguay in July for the Mercosur summit, which will bring together the organization’s leaders and business representatives.
This summit presents a significant opportunity to further institutionalize relations between Morocco and the Mercosur nations.
Food security as strategic collaboration area
“This relationship is also based on a very important element – investments and opportunities available that have not been well exploited,” added Ramírez Lezcano, emphasizing that both teams face significant challenges to seize these available opportunities.
The Paraguayan minister discussed his country’s significant role in global food security. “Paraguay contributes substantially to ensuring global food security. The world needs food, and we will exceed 8 billion people in the coming few years,” he noted.
Paraguay, at roughly 406,000 square kilometers, is significantly smaller than Morocco’s ~710,000 square kilometers, yet it produces food for over 100 million people. “We look at Morocco as our gateway to Africa, and it can play an important role regarding integration,” concluded the Paraguayan minister.
The ministers acknowledged their mutual interest in developing trade agreements, first bilaterally between Morocco and Paraguay, before exploring potential expansion to include Morocco and Mercosur more broadly.
Bourita confirmed plans for a business forum between the two countries in the near future, which would facilitate direct connections between private sector actors.
Bourita and Ramírez Lezcano also discussed working in a trilateral framework toward African countries, the Arab world, and the Mercosur region. This approach reflects their shared vision of multilateral diplomacy based on consultation, legitimacy, and shared responsibility.
During his stay in Morocco, Ramírez Lezcano scheduled meetings with several ministers from different sectors to discuss a productive agenda and explore available prospects for cooperation, further demonstrating the comprehensive nature of this evolving partnership.
