Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita Responds to Rejected Entry of European Parliament Members in Laâyoune
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita described the attempted unauthorized entry into Laâyoune by four European Parliament members as ineffective agitation. Emphasizing Morocco's sovereignty, he noted that the country welcomes compliant visitors. Bourita insisted that actions bypassing legal procedures would face consequences, reinforcing Morocco's steadfast authority over its southern provinces.
hassan benyoub 
Rabat, Morocco – Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has described the attempted unauthorized entry into Laâyoune by four members of the European Parliament and two of their associates as "a form of agitation without any impact." Speaking at a press conference in Rabat on Tuesday, following discussions with his Cape Verdean counterpart, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s full sovereignty over its southern provinces and its entire national territory.
In response to a journalist’s question regarding the incident, Bourita emphasized that Morocco welcomes millions of tourists, officials, and delegations annually, including high-profile visits to its southern provinces. He cited the recent visit of the President of the French Senate to Laâyoune on Monday as an example, along with numerous trips by international business leaders and dignitaries.
The minister clarified that, like any other country, Morocco enforces clear procedural regulations for all visits—whether official, touristic, or for specific missions—in accordance with national laws. He stressed that individuals who comply with these rules are always welcome in Morocco. However, those who attempt to bypass legal procedures will face consequences, as is standard practice worldwide.
Bourita reiterated that such incidents have no effect on Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces or its broader territorial integrity. He concluded by underscoring that the Kingdom remains steadfast in exercising its authority across all regions of the country.
