"We support the efforts displayed to reach a just and equitable solution to the Sahara issue," stressed Chok Tong in an interview published Monday by the French-speaking daily "Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb".
The Sahara issue was triggered in the mid-seventies by the claim of the Algeria-backed "Polisario" to separate the Moroccan southern provinces, known as the Sahara, from the motherland, after they were retrieved from Spanish rule in line with the Madrid accords signed in 1975.
He also deemed that the settlement of this issue "would bring a lasting and stable peace to the region," noting that "the position of Singapore on such issues is based on two principal considerations. Initially, it is preferable to reach any solution in a peaceful way and by consensus. Secondly, we are attached to the respect of the rule of the international law, as well as of international agreements and engagements."
As to bilateral relations, Singaporean official said that the two countries are to sign an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.
Chok Tong started on Monday an official six-day visit to Morocco.