In a major shift in its stance, Panama has recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. This marks a new direction in Panama City's position, following its decision to suspend relations with the Polisario and its support for the autonomy proposal as outlined by Morocco. A month and a half after his official visit to Rabat, Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez has taken a firm stance by reaffirming his country's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. In a televised statement marking the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's enthronement, the minister highlighted Panama's continued support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara provinces, calling it «the only credible, realistic, and applicable option» recognized by the international community for resolving the dispute. This reaffirmation follows his visit to Morocco on June 16, during which he had already voiced strong support for the autonomy initiative. At the time, he described Morocco's plan as «the most serious, credible, and realistic basis» for a lasting solution, even calling it a «unique foundation» for peace. His position reflects a gradual but clear shift in Panama's foreign policy over the past year regarding the Sahara issue. In January 2024, a Joint Declaration was signed during a virtual meeting between Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and then-Panamanian Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. The declaration marked a turning point in Panama's diplomatic approach. Panama Affirms Autonomy Plan as the Sole Basis for a Solution Panama had already declared its support for Morocco's Autonomy Initiative as «the sole basis for a just and lasting solution» to the regional conflict. In line with this, the Panamanian government pledged to guide its future diplomatic actions based on this position. In November 2024, Panama formally suspended its diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic» (SADR). Following a recent videoconference with Morocco's foreign minister, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez reiterated Panama's sovereign decision to cut ties with the Polisario Front. His June 16 visit to Rabat further solidified this position, culminating in the signing of a new joint declaration, in which he once again expressed his country's firm backing of Morocco's autonomy plan. Aligned with the proposal Morocco has promoted since 2007, the Panamanian foreign minister also emphasized «the urgency of reaching a definitive and viable solution to the conflict», especially in his capacity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2025–2026. Currently, more than 70% of UN Security Council member states support Morocco's autonomy plan. Speaking from Rabat, Martínez-Acha Vásquez reminded audiences that Resolution 2756 endorses the Moroccan initiative. «I am convinced that, going forward, it will remain the only viable basis», he stated. This evolving stance signals a broader shift among Latin American nations, many of which had previously aligned with the Polisario. Last July, Ecuador made a similar move by withdrawing recognition of «SADR» and inaugurating its embassy in Morocco. On that occasion, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld traveled to Rabat to mark the opening.
