Today, on the occasion of the visit to Rabat of the British Foreign Secretary, the United Kingdom has officially recognized the Moroccan autonomy plan as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement” of the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

The clarity of the wording expressed in the Joint communique issued today by Morocco and the UK is part of a wider logic of regional stability. It reflects the UK’s belief in the autonomy plan as being fully consistent with international law and UN resolutions.

This British position is further underscored by its commitment to invest in socio-economic projects in the Moroccan Sahara. This will be part of a strategy led by UK Export Finance recognizing Morocco as a growth partner and key gateway for development across Africa.

This new position of the United Kingdom, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, reinforces the growing international dynamic driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.

It leaves no doubt as to the credibility of this initiative and the strong international consensus supporting it.

Indeed, from the milestone US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Saharan provinces, in 2020, to the clear positions of support from Spain and France, there is today a growing coalition of allies, across all Continents, supporting an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the only solution possible to this dispute.