Lisbon: Portugal has declared its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan regarding the Moroccan Sahara, viewing it as a pragmatic approach to enhancing regional stability. A Portuguese Member of Parliament emphasized the significance of this stance, highlighting the Autonomy Plan as a viable framework for resolving the ongoing dispute and mitigating threats posed by the “polisario,” which are seen as undermining peace efforts and regional security.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the deputy from the Chega party, which ranks as Portugal’s second-largest political force, underscored the strategic importance of the Sahara region, given its proximity and strategic relevance to Portugal. The MP expressed concerns that any instability in this area would have direct and unacceptable consequences for Portugal’s regional security interests.

The Portuguese Republic’s endorsement of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan aligns with the broader international support spurred by King Mohammed VI, advocating for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. The Portuguese government has recognized the Autonomy Plan as the most credible and constructive solution to the dispute, as reaffirmed in a Joint Statement by Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel during their meeting in Lisbon.