The Kingdom of Morocco has received a boost in its efforts to maintain sovereignty over Western Sahara, as four Gulf countries have reaffirmed their support for Morocco's autonomy plan. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait expressed their backing for the plan during statements before the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This development is seen as a significant show of solidarity with Morocco in its efforts to resolve the regional dispute over Western Sahara.
Saudi Arabia was the first to reiterate its support for Morocco's autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty. The Saudi representative described the plan as a path toward ending the regional dispute over Western Sahara, citing its compliance with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions. Riyadh also backed Morocco's efforts to reach a realistic political solution based on consensus and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Bahrain also reaffirmed its longstanding support for Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Bahraini representative stated that Manama backed Morocco's efforts to reach a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution based on the Moroccan autonomy initiative and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2797. This resolution is seen as a crucial element in the international community's efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.
Qatar and Kuwait also expressed their support for Morocco's autonomy plan. Qatar's representative described the initiative as constructive and an objective basis for any realistic and lasting solution to the Sahara issue. Kuwait, on the other hand, reiterated its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Southern Provinces and welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2797.
The support from Gulf countries is not limited to the UN General Assembly. Morocco has also supported Gulf security through diplomatic mediation, military cooperation, and direct expressions of solidarity. During the 2017 Gulf crisis, King Mohammed VI backed Kuwait's mediation efforts to resolve the dispute between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors, while Morocco sent food aid to Qatar.
In recent months, Morocco has continued to express its support for Gulf countries. In March 2026, Rabat condemned attacks targeting Gulf countries and reaffirmed its support for their sovereignty and security. This mutual support is seen as a significant aspect of the strong relations between Morocco and Gulf countries.
The reaffirmation of support for Morocco's autonomy plan by Gulf countries is seen as a positive development in the efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict. The international community continues to seek a realistic and lasting solution to the issue, and the support from Gulf countries is expected to contribute to regional security and stability.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait have reaffirmed their support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara at the UN General Assembly.
- The support from Gulf countries is not limited to the UN General Assembly, as Morocco has also supported Gulf security through diplomatic mediation, military cooperation, and direct expressions of solidarity.
- The reaffirmation of support for Morocco's autonomy plan by Gulf countries is seen as a positive development in the efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.
