Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Morocco’s relationship with Mauritania experienced “unprecedented dynamism” in 2025, citing intensive exchanges of visits, multiple joint technical committee meetings and the signing of new bilateral agreements.
He added that the ninth session of the Morocco-Mauritania High Joint Commission is expected to convene in Nouakchott before the end of the year.
Bourita spoke during a presentation of his ministry’s 2026 draft budget before the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Islamic Affairs, Migration and Moroccan Expatriates.
On relations with Algeria, the minister noted that despite the absence of diplomatic ties, King Mohammed VI extended a direct invitation to the Algerian president for a “sincere and fraternal dialogue” following the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2797 on Oct. 31, 2025. The goal, Bourita said, is to overcome disagreements and rebuild trust-based, neighborly relations.
Sahara: A deep transformation in international support
Bourita said the Sahara conflict, entering its 50th year, is moving steadily toward a final settlement based on the autonomy plan Morocco proposed in 2007.
He underscored what he called a “qualitative shift” in global support, pointing especially to the United States’ “firm and operational” stance recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory and backing autonomy as the only viable path.
He argued that the purpose of ongoing UN-led talks is no longer to search for a solution, “because the solution is known and will be nothing other than autonomy”, but to reach consensus on its practical implementation.
The minister described Resolution 2797 as “historic,” saying it establishes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most realistic solution and excludes all alternative proposals.
The resolution, he said, affirms that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute the most feasible solution,” making Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara “unequivocally anchored” by the UN’s highest decision-making body.
Following the resolution, Bourita said, negotiations will now focus on implementing autonomy rather than debating sovereignty. He added that the text obliges the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy to facilitate talks “based on the Moroccan autonomy plan” to reach a mutually acceptable, just and lasting solution.
North Africa engagement and Libya mediation
Discussing regional diplomacy, Bourita said Morocco’s engagement varies across the Maghreb. While deepening cooperation with Mauritania, Rabat continues to play an active role in efforts to resolve Libya’s political impasse.
He highlighted the 2015 Skhirat Agreement as a “foundational milestone” that continues to guide Libyan reconciliation efforts. Morocco, he said, maintained its role as host for intra-Libyan dialogue and worked closely with the UN mission. The joint Bouznika meeting of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State on Dec. 17, 2024, was an important step toward organizing national elections and forming a unified Libyan government, he added.
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