UK sees Morocco’s plan for Western Sahara as most feasible

The UK believes Morocco’s autonomy proposal is the most feasible route to resolve the Western Sahara conflict, the UK Foreign Secretary said on June 1st.

The dispute, long frozen in stalemate, pits Morocco against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, Middle East Monitor via Reuters reported. Morocco seeks independence for the desert region.

Morocco has actively sought wider backing for its autonomy plan since securing US recognition of its sovereignty over the disputed territory in 2020, France 24 with AFP reported on June 2nd. A move made in exchange for normalising diplomatic ties with Israel.

Following discussions with Morocco’s foreign minister, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the 2007 autonomy plan remains “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute.”

He emphasised that the UK “will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position to support the resolution of the conflict.”

Consequently, the UK has now joined the United States and France as the third permanent member of the UN Security Council to endorse Morocco’s autonomy initiative for Western Sahara.

In response, Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, praised the UK’s stance as historic. Bourita said it was part of “a momentum to speed up the solution of the conflict.” He also confirmed that British investments in the territory are currently under review.

The UK and Morocco signed a series of agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in key areas. This areas were healthcare, innovation, port and water infrastructure, and procurement. These deals further solidify bilateral ties and economic collaboration.

Looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, Lammy noted that the agreements would “ensure British businesses score big on football’s biggest stage.” Through these measures, Britain is expanding its economic and diplomatic footprint in the North African country.

Middle East Monitor via Reuters, France 24 via AFP