Spain officially stands behind Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara

A statement from the Moroccan Royal Cabinet announced this Friday that Spain is now standing behind Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, virtually ending the near year-long diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

In a message addressed to the Moroccan Head of State King Mohammed VI, the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, stressed that he “recognizes the importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco.”

As such, “Spain considers the Moroccan autonomy initiative, presented in 2007, as the most serious, realistic and credible basis for resolving the dispute.”

Sanchez added that “the serious and credible efforts of Morocco within the framework of the United Nations to find a mutually acceptable solution” seems like the most viable resolution to the conflict over the Kingdom’s southern territories.

In his message to the Sovereign, the Spanish President additionally reminded of the “inextricable links of affections, history, geography, interests and shared friendship” that both kingdoms share.

Sanchez said he was “convinced that the destinies of both peoples are just as linked” and that “the prosperity of Morocco is linked to that of Spain, and vice versa.”

“Our goal is to build a new relationship, based on transparency and permanent communication, mutual respect and agreements signed by both parties and the abstention of any unilateral action, commensurate with the importance of everything we share,” said President Sanchez in his message to the Sovereign.

In this context, “Spain will act with Morocco with the absolute transparency that corresponds to a great friend and ally,” assures the head of the Spanish executive, adding that “ Spain will always keep its commitments and its word.”

In addition, Pedro Sanchez reiterated his “determination to address the common challenges facing both countries,” including cooperation in the management of migratory flows in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, “in a spirit of full cooperation.”

“All these actions will be undertaken with the aim of guaranteeing the stability and territorial integrity of both countries,”concluded the Spanish President.