Morocco has gained support from Chile and Panama for its sovereignty over Western Sahara, according to joint statements released following talks between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his counterparts from the two countries. The announcements were made on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Chile's decision was made after discussions between Bourita and Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna, with President Jose Antonio Kast in attendance.
Chile has declared its support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, aligning itself with UN Security Council Resolution 2797 of October 2025. This resolution endorses Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a genuine basis for a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Chile also expressed interest in strengthening economic and trade ties with Morocco, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara region. The two countries have signed terms of reference to discuss a free trade agreement.
Chile's support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara is part of a growing international consensus. Over 130 countries now back the autonomy initiative as the only or most serious and realistic basis for resolving the dispute. This momentum has been reinforced by recent statements from various countries, including Sierra Leone, which reaffirmed its support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara on September 21, 2026.
Panama has also announced its support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, with its embassy exercising full consular jurisdiction over the entire Moroccan territory. According to a joint statement, Panama's decision was made after talks between Bourita and Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez Acha Vasquez. Panama has expressed its support for the momentum generated by Resolution 2797 and renewed its position that the Autonomy Plan is the only serious, credible, and realistic basis for achieving a political solution.
The Panamanian Foreign Minister stated that his country took this decision because it is convinced that the Sahara region should remain under Morocco's sovereignty. This position aligns with that of Chile, which has also expressed its support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan. Both countries have emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to the dispute, based on the plan endorsed by the UN Security Council.
The growing international support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara reflects a significant shift in the international community's stance on the issue. Morocco's diplomatic efforts have yielded results, with many countries now backing its autonomy initiative. This development is likely to have implications for the ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute over Western Sahara.
The decisions by Chile and Panama to support Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara are seen as significant developments in the region. Morocco is likely to continue its diplomatic efforts to build on this momentum, with the aim of achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the dispute. The international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
Key points
- Chile and Panama have expressed support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, citing the Autonomy Plan as the basis for a peaceful resolution.
- The growing international consensus on Western Sahara now includes over 130 countries backing Morocco's autonomy initiative.
- Morocco's diplomatic efforts have yielded significant results, with Chile and Panama joining the growing list of countries supporting its position on Western Sahara.
