Speaking to MAP, the former Senegalese top diplomat stressed how HM the King had, in His speech, emphasized “the growing importance of international support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara,” referring in this respect to French President Emmanuel Macron's recent state visit to the Kingdom.

Praising the Royal Speech and HM the King's wisdom, the Senegalese diplomat noted that “everyone agrees on the need to work around the autonomy plan” presented by Morocco to resolve the artificial conflict surrounding the Moroccan Sahara.

Mankeur noted that the referendum is an outdated option, and that the United Nations itself is realizing this, urging “the other party and those who support it to come back to reality.”

The former Senegalese minister also referred to the large number of consulates opened in Dakhla and Laayoune, underlining the need for all friends of the Kingdom to “continue to work” for the definitive settlement of this issue.

Mankeur also praised Moroccan diplomacy, as exercised under the leadership of HM the King, recalling the important initiatives taken in recent years to consolidate Morocco's strategic position in Africa and the world.