Spain Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan \ Newslooks \ Washington. In a significant diplomatic engagement in Rabat, José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, reiterated Spain’s consistent position on the Moroccan Sahara issue. This reiteration, made during a joint press briefing following discussions with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, underscores the strengthening bilateral relations and mutual understanding between Spain and Morocco.
The foundation of this reaffirmed stance lies in the Joint Declaration of April 7, 2022, a historic document underscoring Spain’s support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative as the “most serious, realistic, and credible” solution for the Sahara dispute. This declaration, adopted during a meeting between HM King Mohammed VI and Spanish Government President Pedro Sánchez, marked a significant shift in Spain’s policy, aligning more closely with Morocco’s perspective on the issue.
Spain’s endorsement of the Moroccan autonomy plan reflects a deep understanding of the Sahara issue’s importance to Morocco and acknowledges the efforts undertaken by Morocco within the United Nations framework to find a mutually acceptable resolution. This position not only bolsters Morocco’s international standing but also enhances Spain’s role as a key diplomatic player in the region.
The 12th Morocco-Spain High-Level Meeting (HLM) in February 2023 further solidified this stance, indicating a robust partnership that extends beyond the Sahara issue to encompass broader economic, cultural, and security cooperation. This ongoing dialogue and collaboration signify a new era in Spanish-Moroccan relations, marked by mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to regional stability.
Spain’s reaffirmation of its position on the Sahara issue is pivotal in the context of the larger geopolitical landscape of North Africa and the Mediterranean. It demonstrates Spain’s recognition of Morocco’s strategic importance as a partner and an acknowledgment of the need for a stable and prosperous Morocco for the benefit of the entire region.
Moreover, this development can be seen as part of a broader trend of increasing cooperation between European and North African countries, aiming to address common challenges such as migration, security threats, and economic development. Spain’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan may also encourage other European nations to adopt a more nuanced and cooperative approach towards North African issues.
In conclusion, the recent reaffirmation by Spain of its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative in resolving the Sahara dispute is a testament to the deepening diplomatic ties and shared vision between the two nations. This stance not only aids in progressing towards a peaceful resolution of the Sahara issue but also sets a positive precedent for international diplomacy, highlighting the importance of understanding, respect, and mutual benefit in global relations.
