Rabat, June 17, 2025 – The United Kingdom has officially reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for resolving the Moroccan Sahara dispute.
In a Joint Communiqué signed in Rabat, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, outlined London’s commitment to acting bilaterally, regionally, and internationally in line with this position.
The document underscores the UK’s close observation of the positive developments surrounding this issue under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. It highlights the strategic importance of resolving the dispute, emphasizing that a lasting solution would enhance North African stability and reinvigorate regional and bilateral cooperation.
The UK’s position reflects the growing international recognition of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, first proposed in 2007, as a practical framework for settling the longstanding territorial conflict. This endorsement aligns with global diplomatic shifts and reinforces the plan’s legitimacy as the preferred course of action among key stakeholders.
In reaffirming its commitment to Morocco’s territorial integrity, the UK expressed willingness to support development projects in the Sahara, particularly through the UK Export Finance’s £5 billion commitment to new business ventures across Morocco. This move highlights London’s recognition of Morocco’s strategic position as a gateway to Africa’s socio-economic advancement.
Through strengthened bilateral engagement, the UK aims to enhance trade and investment ties with Morocco, reinforcing its role as a critical partner in African development. This renewed cooperation is expected to spur economic growth while fostering deeper diplomatic collaboration between the two nations.
The Joint Communiqué further acknowledges the central role of the United Nations-led process in achieving a resolution to the dispute. Both nations reaffirm their strong support for UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, in facilitating progress toward a definitive settlement.
As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the UK emphasized the urgency of resolving the conflict, stating that a long-overdue agreement would strengthen North African stability and reinvigorate regional integration. London also confirmed its readiness to actively engage with stakeholders in pursuit of a lasting resolution.
The UK’s position aligns with those of other major global powers, including the United States, France, and Spain, all of whom have expressed strong backing for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. This international consensus underscores the credibility of Morocco’s proposal as the definitive path forward.
The latest endorsement by the UK further solidifies the diplomatic momentum supporting Morocco’s Autonomy Plan under Moroccan sovereignty. As more nations acknowledge its viability, the proposal gains increasing traction within international decision-making circles.
With this renewed commitment, the United Kingdom joins a growing wave of global support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the region. This development marks a significant step in international diplomacy and reinforces Morocco’s leadership in advancing regional stability.
By formally recognizing Morocco’s efforts and endorsing its Autonomy Plan, the UK strengthens the global framework for a peaceful resolution to the Moroccan Sahara dispute, demonstrating that sustained diplomatic engagement remains crucial to ending territorial conflicts.
