Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stated that Morocco does not take Algeria into account when building its relations with other countries, focusing instead on its own interests. In an interview with the French magazine "Le Point," he also highlighted that the proposal for autonomy in the Sahara is now supported by 112 countries worldwide.
Bourita emphasized that Morocco does not interfere in the relationships that other countries have with Algeria, stating, "We focus exclusively on our bilateral relations with our partners, and we leave each country the freedom to develop the ties it wishes with Algeria."
The Moroccan Foreign Minister noted that this position is a "clear and steadfast conviction" of King Mohammed VI. He added, "If Algeria considers that strengthening our relations with certain countries poses a threat to it, that is left to its interpretation. For us, we cannot link our relationships with one country to the relationships it has with another; our priority is to enhance our relations in accordance with our own interests."
On the other hand, regarding the French position supporting Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, which President Emmanuel Macron reiterated during his recent visit to Rabat, Bourita stated that its essence lies in its foundations, which assert that the present and future of the Sahara fall under Moroccan sovereignty, as expressed in a letter from the French president to the king on July 30, 2024.
Bourita continued, "In other words, France confirms that the Sahara cannot be considered outside of this sovereignty. As for the resolution of this regional dispute, Paris sees the autonomy plan proposed in 2007 as the only realistic and feasible basis for a political solution."
According to the Moroccan Foreign Minister, all conditions are now in place to move forward, as the autonomy initiative enjoys support from over 112 countries worldwide, including more than twenty countries in the Americas, among them the United States, nearly three-quarters of African countries, and 20 out of 27 member states of the European Union.
In reference to Algeria, Bourita said, "However, there is a key element missing, which is a responsible and serious partner to move toward a solution. The real player in this regional dispute continues to prefer the status quo, and this stagnation has an impact on regional security and a cost to the Maghreb region, the Sahel, and the shores of the Mediterranean, particularly for the Moroccan and Algerian peoples."
Bourita remarked that the French position is significant, as it comes from a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. However, it primarily originates from a country that understands the realities of this region and is an influential player in the European Union. He added, "The Security Council's decisions are supported by the United States as the penholder, and France wishes to work in favor of this position within multilateral bodies. Paris has already played an active role in the drafting and discussion of the recent resolution, and we will see if new elements will emerge."
