USA Morocco \ Newslooks \ Washington \ The U.S. reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Sahara autonomy initiative, calling it a “serious, credible, and realistic” solution. During a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the U.S. emphasized backing UN-led efforts for a lasting resolution. Additionally, the U.S. recognized King Mohammed VI’s efforts in promoting peace in the Middle East.
Deep Look:
The United States has reiterated its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the Sahara, reaffirming its stance that this proposal represents a “serious, credible, and realistic” solution to the long-standing regional dispute. This position was highlighted during a meeting held on Tuesday in Washington between the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita.
During the discussions, both Blinken and Bourita underscored the importance of the autonomy initiative, which is viewed by the U.S. as a viable path forward in resolving the Sahara issue. The U.S. Department of State’s spokesperson confirmed that Washington remains committed to the autonomy plan, which it sees as a key framework to achieving a lasting political solution. The autonomy proposal, which Morocco presented in 2007, offers the Sahara region self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, a move that has been supported by several international partners as a feasible compromise in a complex territorial conflict.
The meeting also emphasized the continued backing of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, who is tasked with leading the political process under the United Nations’ auspices. Both parties agreed on the necessity of moving the negotiations forward without unnecessary delays to ensure a stable and peaceful resolution.
In addition to addressing the Sahara issue, the U.S. praised the significant role of King Mohammed VI in fostering peace and security across the broader Middle East region. The U.S. Department of State spokesperson noted the King’s contributions to addressing humanitarian crises, especially in Gaza, and maintaining stability in the West Bank. These efforts are part of Morocco’s larger strategy of supporting the Palestinian cause, which remains a priority for the country.
The United States also commended Morocco’s role in regional diplomacy, particularly its involvement in ending the political stalemate in Libya and addressing security challenges in the Sahel region. These actions underline Morocco’s proactive diplomatic engagements and highlight its leadership role in addressing both local and regional conflicts.
The U.S.-Morocco partnership, bolstered by shared goals and mutual respect, continues to serve as a cornerstone in broader efforts to promote peace, security, and development across North Africa and the Middle East. The meeting between Blinken and Bourita reaffirmed the strategic nature of this relationship, which extends beyond the Sahara dispute to encompass various regional challenges that require coordinated international responses.
