Colombia changed its position on the Sahara issue on Friday and recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory, according to Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP). The announcement was made during a meeting between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo. Restrepo described the move as “a new beginning” in relations between Colombia and Morocco and called Morocco “Colombia’s first ally in Africa.” Bourita described Colombia’s decision to withdraw recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara as “historic.” Bourita said the decision would give new momentum to bilateral relations, adding that Morocco and Colombia could serve as economic gateways to Africa and Latin America, respectively.