JEDDAH — Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have welcomed the US recognition of the sovereignty of Morocco over Western Sahara and the opening of an American consulate in the city of Al-Dakhla. In a statement on Thursday carried by the Bahrain News Agency, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that the US move represents an important historic step forward that will bolster the territorial sovereignty of Morocco and consolidate its rights in Western Sahara. Bahrain's King Hamad praised the announcement made by Moroccan King Mohammed VI regarding official contacts and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel, which would support the opportunities to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The Bahraini monarch lauded US President Donald Trump's good efforts to facilitate the agreement. Meanwhile, UAE's foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday, reaffirming the UAE's historical and principled stance supporting Morocco's sovereignty over its entire territories, and underlined the importance of the US decision in contributing to consolidating security and stability in the region. The UAE also hailed Morocco's sovereign decision to resume official contacts and diplomatic relations with Israel, expressing hope that the resumption of diplomatic relations with Israel would reflect positively on promoting peace and international and regional cooperation. The UAE's foreign ministry also expressed hope the agreement would support the joint endeavors in the region to achieve security and prosperity.
