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Rabat – The Moroccan autonomy plan to resolve the Western Sahara dispute is the “only possible option” and the “only practical solution” for progress, British MP Liam Fox, said during his visit to Rabat on Wednesday.
Fox expressed his position in a press statement following his discussions with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.
Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the region’s people, Fox stated, “It’s crucial to focus on what’s best for the local population and work towards a practical solution at the regional level.”
As responsible politicians and leaders, he added, “We have a duty to prioritize the quality of life, the standard of living, and the security of citizens.”
Morocco’s autonomy plan, initially proposed in 2007, has gained significant momentum and garnered support from numerous other European countries, including Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Hungary, Romania, Portugal, and Serbia.
UK Morocco relations
In a separate statement made during the ongoing 4th session of the Strategic Dialogue between Morocco and the UK, the British government commended Morocco’s commitment to the UN-led political process in the Western Sahara region. The UK expressed appreciation for Morocco’s serious efforts to find a lasting and politically negotiated solution to the territorial dispute.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Lord Ahmad, the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the UN. Both reaffirmed their full support for the UN-led political process and the efforts of UNSG Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura to reach a political resolution.
The British remarks follow a recent visit by a delegation of British conservative MPs to Laayoune, a city in southern Morocco. The purpose of the visit was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation in the Western Sahara region.
The strategic dialogue session reflects the positive and growing bilateral relations between Morocco and the UK, spanning various areas of cooperation such as trade and security.
The British delegation praised Morocco’s efforts in maintaining security and recognized the country’s significant role in promoting regional and global peace, as well as its notable contributions in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
Recent data reveals that trade between Morocco and the UK, including exports and imports, amounted to $3.6 billion in the third quarter of 2021 to the same period in 2022, underscoring the robust economic ties between the two nations.
The dialogue session further strengthens the partnership between Morocco and the UK, showcasing their mutual commitment to a just and mutually acceptable political solution to the Western Sahara dispute through the UN-led process.
Read Also: UK Recognizes Morocco’s Serious Efforts in Western Sahara Political Process
