Chile reaffirms support for Morocco’s sovereignty and autonomy plan in Western Sahara

Saturday 03 - 09:26

Chile has once again expressed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its territory, including Western Sahara, while backing Rabat’s autonomy initiative as a framework for resolving the long-running regional dispute.

The position was reiterated in New York during discussions at the United Nations, where the Chilean delegation underlined its support for a political settlement based on the Moroccan autonomy proposal presented in 2007.

According to the Chilean position, the initiative should be considered within the framework of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the UN-led political process.

A position reinforced through bilateral ties

Chile’s latest statement comes against the backdrop of a broader strengthening of relations between Santiago and Rabat. The two countries marked 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, while their foreign ministers met in New York during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Following that meeting, the Chilean and Moroccan governments formally stated that Chile supports Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire territory, including Western Sahara. Santiago also described the Moroccan autonomy proposal as a political solution it considers just, durable and mutually acceptable.

The September bilateral meeting also carried an economic dimension. Chile and Morocco signed terms of reference intended to provide a basis for negotiations toward a future free-trade agreement, signaling an effort to expand bilateral relations beyond political and diplomatic cooperation.

The autonomy initiative at the center of Santiago’s approach

Chile’s position places the Moroccan autonomy initiative at the heart of its approach to the Western Sahara dispute. The proposal was submitted by Morocco to the United Nations in 2007 and has since featured prominently in Rabat’s diplomatic efforts to promote a political settlement.

In its 2026 intervention before the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, Chile also emphasized the importance of a peaceful solution, international law and relevant UN resolutions. The Chilean delegation expressed support for the UN political process and the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.

This position combines support for Morocco’s territorial integrity with an emphasis on negotiations conducted under UN auspices.

Economic cooperation emerging as another dimension

The political convergence has coincided with renewed efforts to deepen economic relations between the two countries. Chile’s foreign ministry said in September that the two governments intend to explore greater opportunities for trade and investment, including cooperation connected to Morocco’s southern regions.

The development reflects a broader attempt by Santiago and Rabat to give their bilateral relationship a stronger economic foundation. Previous high-level contacts between the two countries have already identified trade, investment, education, agriculture, human development and renewable energy as areas with potential for expanded cooperation.

For Morocco, Chile’s renewed diplomatic statement adds another Latin American voice to the international debate surrounding the Western Sahara issue. For Chile, the position forms part of its stated support for a negotiated political process conducted through the United Nations.

The latest declaration therefore places the Western Sahara question within a wider framework of growing Chile-Morocco diplomatic and economic engagement, while maintaining Santiago’s stated preference for a peaceful and negotiated settlement under UN auspices.