Chile Joins Brunei in Supporting Morocco's Autonomy Plan in Western Sahara

Rabat – Brunei Darussalam has praised Morocco for its relentless pursuit of a “lasting and peaceful” settlement to the protracted Western Sahara dispute.

The Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, expressed his country’s position during a press briefing following his talks with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.

Highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, Bourita acknowledged Brunei’s “consistent and positive stance,” describing it as an invaluable support for the Kingdom.

This meeting also marked a milestone in bilateral relations, as it was the first visit of Minister Pehin Yusof to Morocco since the establishment of diplomatic ties 35 years ago.

أهم ما جاء في كلمة السيد ناصر بوريطة خلال هذه الندوة الصحفية. pic.twitter.com/lZhEWuj8tc
— الدبلوماسية المغربية (@MarocDiplo_AR) June 26, 2023

Underscoring the strong foundation of their bilateral relationship grounded in shared Islamic values, Bourita expressed his gratitude for the burgeoning cooperation between the two countries.

Notably, he emphasized the historic opening of the Brunei Embassy in Rabat as a testament to their growing ties. The Moroccan minister reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the economic collaboration between the nations, given the immense potential for trade and investment.

The Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.

To demonstrate their mutual dedication to fostering collaboration, Bourita and Pehin Yusof signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation and consultation. The MoU paves the way for increased diplomatic exchanges, encompassing political dialogue, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.

Both ministers expressed their shared optimism and determination to effectively implement the agreements outlined in the MoU, saying the primary objective is to bolster friendship and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Morocco.

Chile’s Unwavering Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

In addition to Brunei’s endorsement, Chile has reiterated its “unwavering support” for Morocco’s autonomy plan, aimed at achieving a definitive solution to the Western Sahara dispute.

استقبل السيد ناصر بوريطة، اليوم بالرباط، وفداً برلمانيا من الشيلي، يقوده رئيس لجنة العلاقات الخارجية بمجلس الشيوخ الشيلي، السيد فرانسيسكو شاهوان.@chahuan pic.twitter.com/wgslt9q0Df
— الدبلوماسية المغربية (@MarocDiplo_AR) June 26, 2023

Francisco Chahuan, Chairman of the Chilean Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations, emphasized Chile’s longstanding position on Morocco’s territorial integrity during his talks with Bourita in Rabat today.

Chahuan underscored the principled nature of Chile’s foreign policy, which has consistently advocated for Morocco’s territorial integrity. He expressed Chile’s intention to work alongside Morocco to garner support for the autonomy plan, particularly in the Latin American region.

Chahuan led a significant delegation from the Chilean Senate, invited by the House of Councillors, demonstrating the backing of the Chilean government for Morocco’s stance.

Noting that the two countries face similar challenges, Chahuan expressed his country’s full willingness to strengthen cooperation with Morocco through a free-trade agreement that would strengthen trade links between Morocco and Chile.

Chahuan also emphasized his country’s strong interest in Morocco’s fertilizer sector as well as the development of the green hydrogen industry.

International Support for Autonomy Plan

Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, initially submitted to the UN Security Council in 2007, forms the basis of its proposal to resolve the long-standing Western Sahara dispute.

The plan has garnered increasing international support, with recent endorsements from countries such as Senegal, Bahrain, Burkina Faso, and the Dominican Republic. These nations have emphasized the credibility and viability of the autonomy plan as the most practical solution to the longstanding territorial disagreement.

The countries highlighted the plan’s credibility and potential to resolve the longstanding dispute during the annual meeting of the UN Committee of 24 (C24) held in New York.

The collective backing of these countries bolsters Morocco’s position, indicating a wider acceptance of its autonomy plan as the most feasible pathway to resolving the protracted territorial dispute.