"I would like to reaffirm Gabon’s support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara, the territorial integrity and the national sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco," said Monday the representative of Gabon during a meeting of the 4th Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

He also reiterated his country's support for the "solid" autonomy initiative, which offers "reassuring" prospects, not only to end the current impasse but also to achieve a political solution that is both acceptable and credible to this regional dispute.

The diplomat underscored the growing international support for the autonomy plan, noting that more than a hundred countries have voiced their support for this initiative, which is in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

He also welcomed the efforts undertaken by the UN Secretary-General to achieve a realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and compromise political solution to this artificial conflict, as recommended by Security Council resolutions since 2007.

Regarding the socio-economic dynamic underway in the southern provinces thanks to the new development model launched in 2015, the Gabonese diplomat commended the large-scale structuring projects undertaken in this part of the Kingdom.

He also noted that the presence of several consulates general in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, including the one of Gabon, confirms the dynamism of development of the Moroccan Sahara.

The diplomat praised Morocco's "full and continuous" cooperation with MINURSO, as well as its commitment to the ceasefire.