The Gulf Cooperation Council countries have reiterated their backing for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most reliable basis for a lasting resolution of the territorial dispute over Sahara. Speaking on behalf of the GCC during a meeting of the UN Fourth Committee in New York, Bahrain's representative reaffirmed the bloc's support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara. This stance aligns with the GCC's previous positions on the matter.
The GCC's statement comes as the UN Security Council prepares to revisit the Sahara issue this month. Greece, which holds the Council's presidency in October, has scheduled meetings on MINURSO for October 7 and 8. These meetings will likely be informed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres' latest report on the situation concerning Western Sahara, submitted to the Security Council on October 1.
The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, all of which have repeatedly expressed support for Morocco's territorial integrity and autonomy plan. In December 2025, the GCC's Supreme Council reaffirmed the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and welcomed Resolution 2797 during its 46th session in Manama.
Resolution 2797, adopted by the UN Security Council in October 2025, extended the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara until October 31 this year. The resolution also called on the parties to engage in negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable political solution based on Morocco's Autonomy Plan.
The GCC's position on the Sahara issue is consistent with its previous statements and actions. The bloc has reiterated its support for UN-led efforts to reach a definitive settlement while respecting Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This approach aligns with the UN's efforts to find a lasting solution to the territorial dispute.
The latest statement from the GCC comes amid renewed diplomatic activity around the Sahara issue, with UN-led discussions continuing under the framework established by Resolution 2797. The GCC's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan is seen as an important step toward a political settlement based on the plan.
The UN Security Council's upcoming discussions on the Sahara issue will likely be influenced by the GCC's statement and the UN Secretary-General's report. The Council's decisions will aim to advance a mutually acceptable political solution to the territorial dispute, with Morocco's Autonomy Plan remaining a key component of the negotiations.
Key points
- GCC countries reaffirm support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan
- UN Security Council to revisit Sahara issue this month
- Resolution 2797 extended MINURSO mandate until October 31
