Japan reiterates importance of resolving Sahara conflict, calls for peaceful negotiations

In a congratulatory message marking the twenty-fourth anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s enthronement, the Japanese Ambassador in Rabat, Kuramitsu Hideaki, reiterated Japan’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict. The ambassador emphasized the significance of resolving the issue in a “prompt and peaceful manner” through negotiations between the concerned parties under the auspices of the United Nations. 

Japan also expressed its support for the mediation efforts led by the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, in the letter that came out on July 30.

“We take note of the Moroccan proposal presented on 11 April 2007 to the Secretary-General and welcome serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards the resolution of this issue, as expressed in the relevant Security Council Resolutions, including 1754 (2007),” stated the letter shared on the Japanese embassy’s official page.

Benefiting from Morocco’s stability, the economic ties between Japan and Morocco have seen significant growth in recent years. 

Currently, Japanese businesses employ the majority of private sector workers in Morocco, with over 70 companies operating there. 

The two nations have fostered amicable relations, and Japan aims to enhance bilateral collaboration in various domains, encompassing politics, social affairs, and culture, and strengthening the existing robust economic connection.

The bilateral relationship between Japan and Morocco dates back to Morocco’s independence in 1956, with active exchanges at all levels, including interactions involving the Imperial and Royal Families. 

Noteworthy moments in the history of both nations include Crown Prince Naruhito’s visit to Morocco in 1991 and King Mohammed VI’s state visit to Japan in November 2005.

The trade volume between Japan and Morocco continues to surge, starting with marine merchandise and expanding to encompass all industries. 

This expansion has yielded fruitful outcomes in diverse domains, such as economics, trade, research, technology, culture, and education.

On February 2022, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its interest in furthering economic cooperation with Morocco in its latest annual report, in which the Asian country reiterated efforts to primarily advance economic cooperation with Morocco.

In August, Japan denounced and expressed its refusal of the participation of the separatists of the “Polisario” in the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), held on 27 and 28 August in Tunis.

Back in September 2022, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi reiterated his country’s position that does not recognize the Sahara as a state, expressing regret over Morocco’s absence from the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

With Japan joining the “international tide supporting the autonomy plan,” Morocco will have obtained additional support from superpowers such as America, and the majority of European countries, which is confirmed by Amrani Boukhbza, an expert in international relations.

According to the same source, “the message of the Japanese ambassador carries political awareness of the reality of the fabricated Sahara conflict, as well as the importance of moving in the direction of the international tide, similar to the United States of America, and the rest of the European countries, which consider Moroccan efforts serious and realistic.”

Hicham Moatadid also stressed to Hespress AR that “Japan’s diplomatic voice, its geopolitical position, in addition to its political dynamism at the level of its regional map, especially in international organizations, is an important factor, and a qualitative and vital addition to the dynamism that Morocco is managing regarding the Sahara file.”