Western Sahara: UK Endorses Moroccan Autonomy Plan in Landmark Diplomatic Meeting
Rabat – The UK has thrown its full support behind Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible and pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara.
The move was formalized in a joint press statement signed Sunday in Rabat by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, during what officials described as a turning point in bilateral ties.
'This is the first visit by a UK Foreign Secretary to Morocco since 2011,' Bourita noted, addressing reporters alongside Lammy. 'I must remind His Excellency David, my dear friend, that when we met a year ago, we discussed this very matter.'
Recalling promises made, Bourita added: 'The first was that, under your mandate, the UK Foreign Secretary would pay an official visit to Morocco. The second was that this visit would mark a turning point, a game-changer, in our bilateral relations.'
The visit did just that. The UK affirmed that Morocco's Autonomy Plan, presented in 2007, offers a 'serious, credible, and realistic basis' for resolving the Western Sahara dispute.
It also confirmed that UK Export Finance could consider supporting economic development projects in the southern provinces of Morocco, in line with London's broader commitment to mobilize £5 billion in investments across the country.
'This visit is also particularly meaningful due to a major development in the United Kingdom's position on the Moroccan Sahara,' Bourita stated. 'From today onward, we will work together bilaterally, regionally, and internationally, grounding our relations in this strategic partnership.'
Bourita described the moment as 'one of great significance, if not historic,' explaining that it coincided with the fifth session of the Morocco–UK Strategic Dialogue, a platform he said would open a 'new phase in our relations.'
Moreover, Lammy acknowledged the weight of the Western Sahara issue for Rabat, affirming London's understanding of its historical and political significance. 'The UK knows how important the Western Sahara is to Morocco,' he said, stressing the need to move toward a final settlement.
'The time for a resolution is long overdue. We understand the urgent need to secure a definitive and lasting solution, one that delivers a better future for the people of the region.'
The ministers signed four new agreements covering areas such as trade, defense, research, and investment, with more expected in the coming days.
The UK's new stance aligns it with other major international powers that support Morocco's territorial integrity.
Bourita noted that Morocco does not see this support as a symbolic gesture. 'Morocco has never viewed this international momentum as merely symbolic, nor as a diplomatic gesture to maintain the status quo. Instead, we see it as a concrete path toward resolving a conflict that has persisted for over 50 years.'
London's position carries particular weight as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Morocco's foreign minister emphasized the need for renewed UN involvement: 'This is an opportunity for the United Nations and the international community to act, to reach a final resolution based on Morocco's Autonomy Initiative.'
He concluded by reiterating the principles that guide Morocco's foreign policy. 'His Majesty has defined two guiding principles for Moroccan diplomacy: clarity and ambition. Through our recent dialogue with the United Kingdom, many issues have now become clear, and this clarity paves the way for ambition.'
With the UK now on board, Morocco's autonomy initiative gains new momentum and increasing international power.
What had long been a regional stalemate may now be edging closer to a full international consensus — one that reflects changing geopolitical alignments and Morocco's assertive diplomatic strategy. Tags: autonomy planmorocco western saharaUK MoroccoWestern sahara
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