Morocco's diplomatic efforts are gaining momentum as the UN Security Council prepares to meet on Western Sahara. The country's foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, has been engaging with international partners, securing support for Morocco's sovereignty over the region. This comes as the US, under the Biden administration, continues to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The US has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict. Senior adviser to the US President for Arab and African affairs, Masood Bouls, has stated that the US is committed to a political solution that recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. Bouls has also expressed hope that the Polisario Front will respond to Morocco's autonomy plan, which could pave the way for a negotiated settlement.
Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara has gained support from several countries. During the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, several nations, including Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, expressed their support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. This growing international backing is seen as a significant boost to Morocco's diplomatic efforts.
The UN Security Council is set to meet on Western Sahara in October, with the future of the MINURSO mission hanging in the balance. The mission's mandate is set to expire, and there are indications that the Security Council may reform the mission's mandate to focus on a more political approach to resolving the conflict.
The US and Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on economic development and regional stability. US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to discuss cooperation on regional issues, including Western Sahara.
Russia has also expressed interest in strengthening ties with Morocco, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meeting with Bourita on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The two countries have a long-standing partnership, and Lavrov emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation between Moscow and Rabat.
As the international community prepares for the UN Security Council meeting on Western Sahara, Morocco's diplomatic efforts are yielding results. With growing support from countries around the world, Morocco is pushing for a negotiated settlement that recognizes its sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Key points
- The US and Morocco are pushing for a political solution to the Western Sahara conflict that recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over the region.
- Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara has gained support from several countries, including Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
- The UN Security Council is set to meet on Western Sahara in October to discuss the future of the MINURSO mission and potential reforms to its mandate.