Spain reaffirms support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative on the Sahara

Thursday 17 April 2025 - 15:04

By: Zahouani Ilham

Spain reaffirms support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative on the Sahara

Spain reiterated on Thursday its strong support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most credible and realistic framework for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

Following a meeting in Madrid with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stressed Spain’s recognition of the importance of the Sahara issue to Morocco. He also highlighted Morocco’s serious and credible efforts within the framework of the United Nations to achieve a mutually acceptable solution.

Spain regards the autonomy initiative, proposed by Morocco in 2007, as the most practical and credible foundation for resolving the conflict. This reaffirmation of Spain’s position aligns with the growing international consensus, driven by King Mohammed VI, in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and the autonomy proposal as the sole viable solution.

This firm Spanish stance reinforces the international momentum mentioned in UN Security Council Resolution 2756, which encourages capitalizing on this dynamic.

Spain’s clear backing of the autonomy plan sends a strong message of its commitment to this global trend and its active role in supporting a realistic and compromise-based political resolution to the Sahara dispute.

Bilateral cooperation was also a central focus during the Madrid talks between Bourita and Albares. Both ministers emphasized the positive trajectory of Moroccan-Spanish relations, built on transparency, mutual trust, and continuous constructive dialogue.

They praised the strength of the strategic partnership and reaffirmed their joint determination to deepen cooperation, which serves as a model of exemplary collaboration.

This momentum stems from the new chapter in bilateral relations launched during the April 2022 meeting between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. That meeting marked a turning point in relations, paving the way for a multidimensional partnership rooted in mutual respect and dialogue.

The ministers reiterated their commitment to addressing shared challenges with trust and coordination, aiming to further develop cooperation across sectors, including human, economic, commercial, and security domains.

They welcomed the high-level visits and joint initiatives that have strengthened ties between the two nations and expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made in joint projects especially in the context of preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will positively impact all areas of the Moroccan-Spanish partnership.