Preparations for Opening of U.S. Consulate in Dakhla in full swing

A delegation of diplomats from U.S. embassy in Rabat arrived in Dakhla to prepare the opening of an American consulate,confirming the recognition of the United States of Morocco’s full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory.

The American delegation,which also includes diplomats from U.S.

Consulate in Casablanca,held a series of meetings with Ali Khalil,wali of the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region,Yanja El Khattat,President of the Regional Council,and Ahmed Kathir,Head of the Regional Investment Centre.

Talks focused on the logistical,technical and administrative aspects related to the new American diplomatic representation. The move comes few days of before the decisive vote by UN Security Council on the Sahara issue.

The opening of a U.S. Consulate in Dakhla was cited in the U.S.

proclamation recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,signed by President Donald Trump in December 2020.

The American proclamation also said the United States will encourage economic and social development with Morocco,including in the Sahara and to that end will open a consulate in Dakhla to promote economic and business opportunities for the region.

Following the American recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara in December 2020,a U.S. Virtual Presence Post (VPP) was launched in Dakhla pending completion of the lengthy and complex process for opening of a physical consulate.

The Trump administration has earmarked $5 billion funding for the

development of the Moroccan Sahara,set to become a major regional economic hub,according to Africa Intelligence news website.

Morocco is the only country on the African continent having a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. The FTA supports Morocco’s goals to develop as a regional financial and trade hub,providing opportunities for the localization of services and the finishing and re-export of goods to markets in Africa,Europe,and the Middle East.

Experts say the opening of a U.S. Consulate in Dakhla will strengthen Morocco-U.S. strategic partnership and enhance Morocco’s geostrategic position as a hub for trade in Africa,and the Middle East.