"It is imperative, in the interest of the parties and the countries of the region, that the negotiations on this dispute lead to a fair and lasting solution (...) that can help bring the countries of the region closer together, develop regional integration and enable the countries of the region to address the many challenges that this region faces," said the representative of Côte d'Ivoire at the Committee meeting.

"My delegation would also like to welcome the adoption by the Security Council on April 27, 2018, of the Resolution N° 2414, which reaffirms the political process with the aim of reaching a negotiated and mutually acceptable political solution to this dispute," he said.

The diplomat said that his country notes with interest the invitation by the Security Council to neighboring states to contribute into the political process so as to find a solution to the dispute.

In this regard, Côte d'Ivoire, he stressed, congratulated the Kingdom of Morocco for its willingness to "take an active part" in the round-table, scheduled for Dec. 5-6, 2018, in Geneva. 

This demonstrates, once again, Morocco's commitment to finding a political solution to this regional dispute, he insisted.

"These recent developments put the political process in a new dynamic that gives us hope for a settlement of the Sahara dispute in the context of the relevant Resolutions of the Security Council, and on the basis of concrete proposals," he said.

Côte d'Ivoire is satisfied with the various socio-economic development programs undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco in the Sahara region, the diplomat pointed out.