Chile has expressed support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region, backing Rabat's autonomy proposal as a political solution to the long-running dispute. A joint communiqué issued after talks in New York on Monday stated that Chile supports the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Sahara region. This move is seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the region.
The position was announced following a meeting between Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his Chilean counterpart, Francisco Pérez Mackenna. The meeting was attended by Chilean President José Antonio Kast. During the meeting, Chile described Morocco's autonomy proposal, presented in 2007, as "the just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution" to the dispute.
Chile also said it would translate its position into concrete bilateral action by promoting economic and trade cooperation in Morocco's Sahara region. According to the communiqué, the move is intended to strengthen investment, trade, and productive development in the region. This economic cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on the region and its inhabitants.
Chile further said it "welcomes Security Council Resolution 2797/2025 and endorses it." The country joined calls for the parties to engage in negotiations without preconditions, based on Morocco's autonomy proposal, to reach a definitive political solution acceptable to all parties. This move is seen as a significant step towards finding a lasting solution to the dispute.
The two foreign ministers also signed Terms of Reference to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement between Morocco and Chile. This development adds a trade and economic dimension to the two countries' growing bilateral engagement, alongside Chile's stated position on the Sahara issue. The free trade agreement is expected to boost economic ties between the two countries.
The decision by Chile to support Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara has been welcomed by Morocco. This move is seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the region, with many countries expected to follow suit. The support from Chile is a boost to Morocco's efforts to gain international recognition of its sovereignty over the region.
The recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara by Chile is a significant development in the region. Key points include Chile's support for Morocco's autonomy proposal, the promotion of economic and trade cooperation in the region, and the signing of Terms of Reference for a free trade agreement between Morocco and Chile.
Key points
- Chile supports Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara and backs autonomy plan.
- Chile to promote economic and trade cooperation in Morocco's Sahara region.
- Morocco and Chile to negotiate a free trade agreement.
