Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea's support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara and its autonomy plan, recognizing it as the sole viable solution to the long-standing regional dispute. This conflict dates back to the mid-20th century when Morocco claimed sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory that has seen significant tension and differing views on self-determination. Tkatchenko made these statements during a meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 70th United Nations General Assembly currently being held in New York city. Both ministers also addressed their shared respect for each nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty, advocating for peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation. They reiterated their commitment to the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General and his envoy concerning the Sahara, aiming for a realistic political solution based on compromise. The two ministers also discussed the importance of bilateral relations and highlighted their mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation, despite the geographical distances between their countries. Minister Bourita emphasized that Morocco’s relationship with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations is pivotal to the Kingdom’s South-South cooperation strategy, in line with directives from His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He assured Tkatchenko of Morocco’s ongoing commitment to support PNG's socio-economic development efforts. Furthermore, they agreed to enhance their collaboration within international organizations and multilateral forums, particularly on global issues like climate change and sea level rise. This meeting signifies a crucial step in solidifying the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Morocco, fostering greater cooperation on the international stage.