RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – A significant diplomatic development has taken place regarding the Western Sahara issue: the United Kingdom has officially recognized Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative as “the most credible, realistic, and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the regional dispute.” This position was formalized today through a joint declaration signed in Rabat by the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
The joint declaration emphasizes the urgency for the parties involved to engage constructively and promptly in the political process led by the United Nations. “London recognizes the strategic importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco and the central role of King Mohammed VI in promoting the current positive momentum,” the document states.
With this stance, the United Kingdom joins a growing group of countries that officially support autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the only way out of the long-standing dispute. Three permanent members of the UN Security Council – including the United States and France – now explicitly back the Moroccan plan. In total, 124 UN member states, including 23 from the European Union, have expressed support either for Morocco’s sovereignty or its autonomy plan.
According to the declaration, resolving the dispute would help reinforce stability in North Africa, revitalize bilateral cooperation, and promote regional integration. In this context, the two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, emphasizing that a “durable and mutually acceptable solution” is essential for regional stability.
Beyond the political dimension, the declaration also signals a concrete willingness for economic cooperation. The UK announced that UK Export Finance could consider financing projects in Western Sahara as part of a £5 billion plan to support economic development in Morocco.
The United Kingdom also recognizes Morocco as a “strategic partner and vital gateway” for the development of the African continent, the document states, confirming its intention to strengthen bilateral cooperation also from a continental perspective.
The UK’s recognition further consolidates Morocco’s diplomatic leadership under King Mohammed VI, who has steered the Kingdom’s foreign policy toward a network of strategic alliances based on regional stability and South-South cooperation.
Both countries underline the central role of the UN-led political process and, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK shares Morocco’s view on the urgency of resolving this longstanding dispute.
“The time has come to find a solution and move forward on this issue,” the final communiqué reads, highlighting that resolving the dispute would decisively contribute to North African stability and the advancement of regional integration. With this move, London strengthens the international front in favor of Morocco’s proposal and confirms a well-established political and economic orientation aimed at long-term stabilization of the region, in line with the objectives of the United Nations.
Photo: MAP
