International Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan Strengthened Further at UNGA – FM

United Nations (New York) – The Moroccan participation in the high-level week of the 80th UN General Assembly further strengthened the international momentum initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in support of the autonomy plan and Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita said on Friday.

“Over the past few years, His Majesty the King has initiated a dynamic of support for the autonomy initiative, within the framework of national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, as the only basis for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara,” Mr. Bourita told the press on the sidelines of the General Assembly session. This unequivocal support was further reinforced through bilateral meetings held during the General Assembly, he added, recalling the positions of major powers and influential countries in favor of Morocco’s national sovereignty and its autonomy plan. In this context, he highlighted the U.S. position, “which encourages investments across Morocco, including in the Southern Provinces,” noting that this stance represents “a turning point that could be seen as an economic recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Southern Provinces.” Mr. Bourita also recalled that His Majesty the King has consistently affirmed that Morocco cannot enter into partnerships that could compromise its territorial integrity. “This is another clear signal, following those given by the United Kingdom, France, and other countries, which now view the Southern Provinces as a development opportunity, a gateway to the African continent, and a means to develop and strengthen their partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco,” he concluded.