Colombia reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara, on Monday and announced it was freezing relations with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), according to a statement from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry said the decision followed a “sovereign review” of the previous government’s recognition of the SADR, noting that the United Nations does not recognize the entity as a member state. The renewed partnership would focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, food security, port and logistics development, and Atlantic connectivity. The announcement follows the visit of Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Cali on August 7, where he represented King Mohammed VI at the inauguration of Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella. The formal decision follows statements made during Bourita’s Friday meeting with Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, which was also attended by Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.