UK Reaffirms Support For Morocco’s Autonomy Plan For Sahara

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the long-standing dispute over the Sahara.

British Foreign Secretary, Ms. Yvette Cooper, reiterated the position during a meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, in London.

A statement issued on Thursday by Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the renewed backing reflects the UK’s consistent stance on the issue, following recent diplomatic engagements between both countries.

According to the statement, “this position was expressed following the latest Morocco-UK Strategic Dialogue, held in Rabat on June 1, 2025.” It added that the joint communiqué emphasised “the need for the parties to engage urgently and positively in the political process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.”

The statement further noted that the United Kingdom would continue to support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute across “bilateral, regional, and international levels.”

Cooper also welcomed the strong bilateral relations between the UK and Morocco, describing the partnership as mutually beneficial. She highlighted growing cooperation opportunities, particularly those linked to the 2030 World Cup.

The UK had earlier, in June 2025, expressed similar support in a Joint Communiqué signed in Rabat by the then Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, and Mr. Bourita.

That document stated that Morocco’s autonomy proposal, first submitted in 2007, remained “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara,” adding that the UK would continue to act “bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position.”

The communiqué also underlined that the UK “follows closely the current positive dynamic on this issue under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.”

It stressed that resolving the dispute would enhance regional stability, noting that a settlement “would strengthen the stability of North Africa and the re-launch of the bilateral dynamic and regional integration.”

The Sahara dispute remained one of North Africa’s longest-running conflicts, with ongoing efforts led by the United Nations to achieve a political solution acceptable to all parties.