The United Kingdom considers “the autonomy proposal, submitted (by Morocco) in 2007, to be the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement of the” regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, and “will continue to work bilaterally, particularly in the economic sphere, as well as at the regional and international levels, in line with this position, to support a settlement of the dispute.”
This position was set forth in a joint statement signed today, Sunday, June 1, in Rabat, by David Lamy, the British Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad.
The joint statement noted that “the United Kingdom is closely following the current positive momentum under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.” It added that London “recognizes the importance of the Sahara issue” for Morocco, noting that a resolution to this regional dispute “would consolidate stability in North Africa and strengthen bilateral dynamics and regional integration.”
In the joint statement signed today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, the United Kingdom also confirmed that “the UK Export Finance may consider supporting projects in the Sahara,” particularly as part of “the agency’s commitment to mobilize £5 billion to support new economic projects across the country.”
The statement noted that “the United Kingdom regards Morocco as a key gateway to Africa’s social and economic development and reaffirms its commitment to deepening its cooperation with Morocco as a partner for growth across the continent.”
Furthermore, the statement, signed by the Moroccan and British ministers, emphasized that “both countries support and consider the pivotal role of the UN-led process to be vital,” and reaffirmed “their full support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura.” In particular, the United Kingdom states that it is “ready, willing, and determined to provide its active support and engagement to the Personal Envoy and the parties.”
In conclusion, the joint statement noted that “as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the United Kingdom shares Morocco’s view on the urgent need to find a solution to this long-standing dispute, in the interests of all parties,” adding that “the time has come to find a solution and move forward on this issue, thereby promoting stability in North Africa and revitalizing bilateral relations and regional integration.”
This new position by the United Kingdom, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, reinforces the growing international momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in support of the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, and underscores the credibility of this initiative and the consensus it enjoys with a view to reaching a definitive solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
