Chile has announced its support for Morocco's sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region. This stance was revealed in a joint communiqué issued after talks between Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and Chile's Foreign Affairs Minister, Francisco Pérez Mackenna. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and was attended by Chilean President José Antonio Kast.
According to the communiqué, Chile considers Morocco's 2007 autonomy initiative as a "just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution" to the Sahara issue. This initiative is seen as a viable way to resolve the long-standing regional dispute. Chile's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy proposal aligns with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797/2025. The resolution calls for negotiations without preconditions, based on Morocco's autonomy proposal, to reach a definitive political solution.
Chile plans to translate its support into concrete bilateral action by promoting economic and trade cooperation opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara region. This move is expected to strengthen investment, boost trade relations, and support productive development in the area. By doing so, Chile aims to contribute to the region's growth and stability. The joint communiqué highlights Chile's commitment to deepening its economic ties with Morocco.
The discussions between the two ministers also focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Chile and Morocco. As part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation, the two ministers signed the Terms of Reference for the launch of negotiations towards a free trade agreement between the two countries. This agreement is expected to enhance trade ties and create new opportunities for economic cooperation between Morocco and Chile.
The free trade agreement negotiations are seen as a significant step towards expanding trade relations between Chile and Morocco. The agreement will likely cover various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. By reducing trade barriers and tariffs, the two countries aim to increase bilateral trade and investment. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both Chile and Morocco.
Chile's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara and its endorsement of the autonomy plan have significant implications for the region. This stance is likely to influence the positions of other countries on the Sahara issue. Morocco's autonomy proposal has been widely regarded as a credible and realistic solution to the dispute. Chile's backing of this proposal adds weight to Morocco's claim.
The joint communiqué issued by Chile and Morocco underscores the growing cooperation between the two countries. This cooperation extends beyond trade and economic issues to include political and diplomatic ties. The two countries have demonstrated their commitment to strengthening their bilateral relations and promoting peace and stability in the region. This development is a positive step towards enhancing cooperation between Chile and Morocco.
Key points
- Chile supports Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara and endorses autonomy plan as a viable solution.
- Chile and Morocco to negotiate a free trade agreement to enhance trade ties.
- Chile's support for Morocco's autonomy plan aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2797/2025.
