Moroccan PM to visit Mauritania to "clear up" misunderstanding

The Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane will visit Mauritania to "clear up any misunderstanding" after controversial statements made by the Istiqlal Party's secretary general concerning Mauritania's territorial integrity.

The Moroccan King Mohammed VI asked Benkirane "to clear up any misunderstanding that could have a negative impact on the excellent relations between Morocco and Mauritania," according to a statement from the king, which was made after a phone call between the king and Mauritania's President Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz earlier Tuesday.

During the phone call, the king reiterated to the president his unwavering support and friendship, as well as his attachment to the good neighborliness and solidarity relation between the two countries.

Local media reported that Benkirane will visit Mauritania on Wednesday.

Istiqlal Secretary General Hamid Chabat raised controversy by saying that Mauritania "is historically a part of the Moroccan territory" during a meeting with militants in his party on Saturday.

The remarks sparked outrage and condemnation in Mauritania.

The Moroccan foreign ministry responded Monday that it rejects these statements "which undermine relations with a brotherly neighboring country and show a real ignorance of the Moroccan diplomacy's orientations."

The Moroccan king also reassured the president that Morocco recognizes the territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, pursuant to international law, said the statement.

The two leaders also expressed their determination to preserve this relation against any attempt seeking to undermine it, regardless of its origin and motives, it added. Endit