Belgium Endorses Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

Rabat – The government of Belgium expressed today its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, considering it as a “good basis” to end the dispute over Western Sahara.

Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib announced her country’s new position following a meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita today in Rabat.

A “political, fair, sustainable, and mutually accepted solution” is necessary said Lahbib, adding that “Belgium considers the Autonomy Plan presented in 2007 a serious and credible effort and a good basis to reach” a long-lasting solution.

Lahbib also expressed Belgium’s support for the UN-led political process and the efforts made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his Personal Envoy Staffan De Mistura to relaunch the political process to resolve the Sahara dispute.

Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib speaking at a press conference following her meeting with Nasser Bourita

Following this statement, Belgium joins a growing list of countries that have expressed support for Morocco’s Autonomy initiative as a credible and serious basis to end the dispute.

Morocco submitted its Autonomy Plan to the UN Security Council in 2007, as part of its efforts to find a lasting and agreed-upon political solution to end the Western Sahara dispute.

The plan designates the Western Sahara region as a semi-autonomous one under Moroccan sovereignty. It also aspires to allow the full local ownership in the region to manage their social, economic, and political affairs, while the government handles both defense and diplomacy.

The initiative was well received by many countries, including Germany, Spain, and the US, and the Netherlands.

Many countries have reaffirmed their support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative recently during the 4th UN Committee, describing it as a credible and serious effort to end the dispute – including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan, among others.

Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib during her meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita

In August, King Mohammed VI expressed satisfaction with the momentum with which the Autonomy Plan was being received within the international community.

“A number of influential states have expressed support for the Autonomy Initiative within Morocco’s full sovereignty over its territory as the only solution to this artificial regional dispute,” the King said, recalling the US’ firm position as a “source of real motivation.”

He added that the position regarding the Autonomy Plan adopted by a number of European countries “will contribute to ushering in a new era of trust-based relations, and will help strengthen the qualitative partnership with these friendly countries.”

Morocco’s Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita speaking at a press conference following a meeting with his Belgian counterpart

Bourita’s meeting with the Belgian official also served as an opportunity for the two ministers to express their commitment to boosting bilateral relations in several sectors, including the economy.

The pair also discussed several global and regional issues, including the war in Ukraine, and the crisis situations in Syria, Iran, and Palestine.