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22:02 GMT
RABAT, Aug 26 (KUNA) -- The Kingdom of Morocco decided Friday to boycott the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-8), to be hosted by Tunis on August 27-28, and recall its ambassador to Tunisia for consultation.
The decision is based on the participation by "the separatist militia" (the Polisario Front) in the gathering and the reception of its leader by the Tunisian president, the Moroccan the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad said in a statement.
The Tunisian leaders' behavior is "a serious and unprecedented act," which comes in the framework of the Japan-Africa Cooperation Forum, the statement said.
"This act "deeply offends the Moroccans and confirms a blatant hostility towards the Kingdom of Morocco.
"Acting against the advice of Japan, the preparation process for the forum and the established rules, Tunisia decided unilaterally to invite the separatist entity," according to the statement.
Meanwhile, the statement noted that this decision would unlikely affect the strong relationship between the Moroccan and Tunisian peoples who are bound by a shared history and destiny.
The statement reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to cooperation with Japan and the African countries under the umbrella of the TICAD.
Earlier today, Secretary-General of the Polisario Brahim Ghali arrival at Carthage International Airport and was received by Tunisian President Kais Saied. They held talks at the airport on the eve of the TICAD-8
Launched by the government of Japan in 1993, the TICAD is co-sponsored by United Nations, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC).
Tunisia is the second African host country of the TICAD after Kenya (2016) pursuant to the outcomes of the TICAD-7, held in Yokohama in August 2019. (end)
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