UK Announces from Rabat Its Support for Moroccan Sovereignty over the Sahara and Recognizes the Autonomy Plan as “the Most Credible, Realistic, and Pragmatic” Basis for Resolving the Conflict
The United Kingdom officially recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan as the’ most credible, viable and pragmatic basis’ to resolve the Sahara dispute, marking a major policy shift for London, which had previously maintained strict support for a neutral, UN-led process.
The annoucnement was made during the 4th Morocco-UK Joint Strategic Dialogue held in Rabat, co-chaired by Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the first British foreign secretary to visit Morocco since 2011.
Bourita hailed the visit as “a historic day for Morocco-UK relations,” and reflects royal directives to elevate the partnership into a new phase of strategic depth.
Lammy called the shift “long overdue,” adding that “a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution” to the conflict must not reach its 50th year unresolved.
“We welcome Morocco’s acceptance to engage with all relevant stakeholders through(…) to start negotiations with all relevant parties”he said, without providing further detail.
The joint statement issued after the meeting acknowledged Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative as the basis for a political resolution.
It further committed both governments to enhanced cooperation in trade, climate resilience, education, and security.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering health care, higher education, water infrastructure, ports, and procurement , agreements British officials say will unlock opportunities for UK businesses in Morocco, particularly in its southern provinces, and in infrastructure projects tied to the 2030 World Cup.
The UK’s support also gives weight to Rabat’s position within the UN Security Council, where Britain becomes the fifth permanent member to back Morocco’s plan.
“As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom agrees with Morocco on the urgent need to find a resolution to this long-held dispute, which would be in the interest of the parties”, the document notes, adding that “the time for a resolution and to move this issue forwards is long-overdue, and would strengthen the stability of North Africa and the relaunch of the bilateral dynamic and regional integration.”
This announcement follows growing cross-party support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative within Westminster and comes on the heels of increased UK-Morocco trade ties, including British business activity in the southern regions.