Portugal Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

On May 12, 2023

Portugal reiterated its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan on Friday, praising it as a serious and reliable foundation for resolving the Western Sahara conflict.

During the 14th High-Level Meeting, which took place today in Lisbon as part of the two nations’ commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, the Portuguese government reiterated its position on the Moroccan request for autonomy.

The meeting was co-chaired by Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

Portuguese support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal was emphasized in a joint statement issued after the meeting, along with Lisbon’s support for the UN-led political process aiming to find a politically negotiated, fair, and long-lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict.

“The two parties agreed on the exclusive competence of the United Nations in the political process and reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2654, which referred to the role and responsibility of the parties in seeking a realistic, practical, and long-lasting political solution based on consensus,” the statement was cited as saying by Morocco’s state media MAP.

Portugal is one of a rising number of nations that see Morocco’s bid for autonomy as a genuine and reliable foundation for resolving the Sahara conflict. Portugal, Spain, Germany, the United States, and several more nations in Africa and the Arab world have also endorsed the Moroccan idea.

Portugal and Morocco reaffirmed their commitment to working together during the high-level conference by signing 12 cooperation agreements covering a variety of fields, including security, justice, tourism, and the environment, among others.

Portugal praised Morocco’s growth, openness, and modernity at the summit and emphasized King Mohammed VI’s leadership.

The joint statements emphasized Portugal’s view of Morocco as a reliable regional and global player, highlighting its “decisive role” in fostering peace, security, and development in the Atlantic and Mediterranean area, as well as in the Sahel Sahara region and throughout Africa.

Portugal also highlighted Morocco’s assistance in local and global campaigns to combat terrorism and extremism.