In a significant development, Morocco's diplomatic efforts have gained momentum as the UN Security Council prepares to convene a meeting on the Western Sahara issue. The meeting, scheduled for October, comes at a critical juncture as the current mandate of the UN's peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, MINURSO, is set to expire. Against this backdrop, Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, has been actively engaging with international partners to garner support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
The diplomatic push gained traction as several countries reaffirmed their support for Morocco's position on the Western Sahara issue. Peru has decided to support Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara and has announced plans to open a consulate in Dakhla. Bolivia has also reiterated its stance in favor of Moroccan sovereignty, expressing its readiness to open a trade office in the southern regions. Chile has recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara and has expressed its support for the territorial integrity of the kingdom.
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara. US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, met with Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. During the meeting, Landau reiterated the US commitment to developing the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty. The US has been actively engaged in promoting a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict, with a focus on the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.
Morocco's diplomatic efforts have been complemented by a series of high-level interactions. Bourita met with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss ways to strengthen traditional friendly relations between Moscow and Rabat. The two ministers emphasized that multifaceted cooperation between the two countries is progressing in line with the spirit and text of the declaration to deepen strategic partnership signed on March 15, 2016.
The intensification of Morocco's diplomatic efforts comes as the UN Security Council prepares to consider a new resolution on the Western Sahara issue. The meeting is expected to focus on the extension of MINURSO's mandate and the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Morocco has been actively promoting a political solution to the Western Sahara issue, based on the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.
The autonomy plan, which was presented by Morocco in 2007, has gained support from several countries, including the United States, which has recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. The plan provides for a high degree of autonomy for the Sahara region, while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty. Morocco has expressed its commitment to working with international partners to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
As the UN Security Council meeting approaches, Morocco's diplomatic efforts are expected to continue in earnest. The country has been actively engaging with international partners to build support for its position on the Western Sahara issue. With several countries reaffirming their support for Moroccan sovereignty, the stage is set for a significant development in the Western Sahara peace process.
Key points
- Morocco's diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of the UN Security Council meeting on the Western Sahara issue.
- Several countries reaffirm their support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
- The US reiterates its commitment to supporting Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
