Hungary Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara

Thursday 17 April 2025 - 08:10

By: Zahouani Ilham

Hungary Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara

In a significant diplomatic development, Hungary has reiterated its strong support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara, originally proposed in 2007. This endorsement came from Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó, during a press statement following his official meeting in Budapest with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.

Szijjártó affirmed that Hungary considers Morocco’s autonomy plan to be "the basis for the solution" to the Sahara issue, within the framework of the United Nations. This reassertion of support places Hungary among the growing number of nations that recognize the importance of a realistic, credible, and sustainable political resolution to the long-standing dispute.

The Hungarian foreign minister also underlined that his country is attentive to the reaffirmed positions of influential global powers such as the United States and France, who have voiced similar backing for Morocco’s initiative. Their alignment further reinforces international momentum around the autonomy proposal as a pragmatic pathway toward lasting peace and regional stability.

In a gesture that adds practical weight to Hungary’s political stance, Szijjártó announced that he has instructed Hungary’s Ambassador to Morocco to visit the Sahara region. This visit would mirror the recent actions of ambassadors from other major countries who have already made official trips to the territory, signaling diplomatic acknowledgment of Morocco’s development efforts in the region.

Moreover, Hungary has expanded the scope of its consular services in Morocco. According to Szijjártó, the consular section of the Hungarian Embassy will now serve Moroccan citizens throughout the entire territory of the Kingdom, including those residing in the southern provinces. This decision is viewed as a further expression of Hungary’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Morocco’s territorial integrity.

Hungary’s clear and unambiguous position aligns with the spirit of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2756, which calls on the international community to capitalize on the growing consensus and engage constructively toward a resolution. The Hungarian stance is thus not only a show of political solidarity but also a strategic contribution to advancing international efforts aimed at achieving a negotiated solution under UN auspices.

This diplomatic move confirms that the Moroccan autonomy plan continues to gain traction on the global stage, supported by a diverse and expanding array of partners. Hungary’s endorsement adds to the credibility of the initiative and reflects the increasing belief among the international community that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most viable and forward-looking solution to the Sahara issue.