US to Open Consulate in Western Sahara, Affirming Morocco’s Sovereignty

The opening of this diplomatic mission in the southern provinces of the Kingdom is one of the announcements made during the telephone conversation between King Mohammed VI and the outgoing President of the United States, Donald Trump, on December 10, 2020.

"In accordance with President Trump’s proclamation on the recognition of the Kingdom of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, the State Department announces that it has begun the process of establishing a U.S. consulate in the region," said Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State, in a statement.

"Effective immediately, we are inaugurating a virtual presence post," he said. Managed by the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, this post is dedicated to promoting economic and social development.