On the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan. During their meeting, Armenia declared its full support for Morocco's initiative on Western Sahara, backing the autonomy plan as a suitable solution to the longstanding conflict.
The Armenian government's expression of support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty was conveyed during the meeting between Bourita and Mirzoyan. This development marks a significant shift in Armenia's stance on the Western Sahara issue, as the country had previously maintained a more neutral position. The move is seen as a boost to Morocco's efforts to garner international support for its position on the disputed territory.
Mirzoyan emphasized that Armenia's decision to support the autonomy plan is in line with the country's commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter and the relevant Security Council resolutions. He noted that the plan, which was outlined in 2007, offers a framework for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict, allowing for the preservation of Morocco's territorial integrity.
The Armenian foreign minister also welcomed the signing of the Tripartite Declaration by Morocco, Spain, and the United Nations in 2021, which reaffirmed the parties' commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the Western Sahara conflict. He expressed hope that this newfound cooperation would pave the way for further progress in the region.
In a related development, US Deputy Secretary of State Vedant Patel reaffirmed Washington's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara during a meeting with Bourita. Patel underscored the US commitment to promoting stability and prosperity in the region, highlighting the importance of a negotiated solution to the conflict.
The international community has been closely following developments in Western Sahara, with many countries expressing their support for Morocco's autonomy plan. The conflict has been ongoing for decades, with Morocco and the Polisario Front engaging in intermittent negotiations under the auspices of the UN. A peaceful resolution to the dispute is seen as crucial to ensuring regional stability and security.
The meeting between Bourita and Mirzoyan also touched on other areas of cooperation between Morocco and Armenia, including economic development, cultural exchange, and regional security. Both ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration, building on the existing framework of cooperation between the two countries.
Key points
- Armenia declares support for Morocco's autonomy plan in Western Sahara
- US reiterates backing for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara
- International community watches developments in Western Sahara closely
