Mexico City, 25 October 2024 (SPS) – Mexico praised the diplomatic relations it has with the Sahrawi Republic, which are based on "shared principles," renewing its solidarity with the Sahrawi people in its pursuit of self-determination and calling for a solution to the conflict in accordance with the principles of international legitimacy and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council.
During a ceremony organized by the Sahrawi Embassy in Mexico on Thursday to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the Sahrawi Republic, José Villanueva, Director of African Affairs at the Mexican Foreign Ministry, stated that "the past decades of this relationship have been characterized by bilateral ties built on common principles and support for the right of peoples to self-determination and respect for international legality," urging the international community to find a solution to the conflict "in accordance with the principles of international law and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council."
Villanueva explained that "the constitutional principles of Mexico guide our ongoing solidarity with the Sahrawi people, support for the right of peoples to self-determination, rejection of the use of force in international relations, respect for human rights, peaceful resolution of disputes, and the struggle for international peace and security," and that these are "all principles that guide our solidarity and support for the Sahrawi people."
The Mexican official expressed regret that "more than sixty years have passed since the issue of Western Sahara was included on the United Nations agenda in various bodies without any tangible progress being achieved," reiterating his country's call and urging the international community to "intensify efforts to reach a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution that leads to the self-determination of the Sahrawi people."
The Mexican diplomat concluded by expressing gratitude for the organization of this "important event" to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, praising the "great and valuable" efforts made by the Sahrawi ambassador in Mexico to defend the Sahrawi cause and to raise awareness about it in Mexican civil society.
For his part, the Sahrawi Ambassador in Mexico, Mokhtar Lebehi, emphasized in his speech during the ceremony the "importance of strengthening and developing bilateral relations between the two countries," appreciating the "principled" support and solidarity from Mexico, which is "based on respect for international law and the right of peoples to self-determination and independence."
The ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries was attended by Hamma Salama, the President of the Sahrawi National Council, who is visiting Mexico at the invitation of the President of the Mexican Senate as part of parliamentary seminar activities, along with parliamentary officials, members of the accredited diplomatic corps in Mexico, and representatives of Mexican civil society.