Rabat: UN Resolution 2797 is a direct result of His Majesty the King’s sustained and personal commitment to the Moroccan Sahara, according to Foreign Minister Bourita. In a special program broadcast on Saturday evening on channel 2M, Bourita highlighted that since His Majesty’s enthronement, the King has worked to move beyond the “hard-to-implement settlement and referendum” plan, which had reached a stalemate.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the King’s strategic vision led to the proposal of the autonomy plan in 2007, positioning it as the sole basis for negotiations on the Sahara. This initiative has received backing from major global powers, notably the United States and France. Bourita emphasized that this achievement is the result of the King’s daily dedication and direct engagement with international leaders.
The minister elaborated that the King’s approach is characterized by gradual objectives, credibility, and concrete actions to foster trust with partners. His foresighted vision has enabl
ed cooperation with influential European nations that have a deep understanding of the Sahara region and its geopolitical dynamics.
Bourita recounted the King’s visits to several African countries that initially recognized the “puppet entity” but have since reversed their stance, acknowledging Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. He also recalled Morocco’s reintegration into the African Union in 2017.
The same diplomatic strategy has been applied with European countries, with 23 EU member states now supporting Morocco’s autonomy initiative. Economically, the minister highlighted progress in the Moroccan Sahara, citing a statement from U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau encouraging American investments in the region.
Recent economic agreements underscore this progress, including the Morocco-EU agricultural agreement and the Morocco-France Economic Forum in Dakhla. Additionally, the Morocco-Russia maritime fisheries agreement and initiatives to provide Sahel countries access to the Atlantic
Ocean further illustrate these advancements.
Bourita declared that the Security Council’s vote on October 31 is a vote “in favor of the Morocco of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” recognizing the reforms and progress achieved, particularly in women’s status and sustainable development, due to the King’s credibility and international leadership.
He emphasized that this UN resolution is historic, marking the first acknowledgment of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. Bourita described the autonomy plan as a solution, not just a proposal, noting the significance of the resolution as no country opposed it.