Rabat – Germany today renewed its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, describing it as a “good basis and a very good foundation” to end the dispute over the Western Sahara region.
German Foreign Minister Analena Baerbock conveyed her country’s position today in a press conference following the first session of bilateral dialogue between Germany and Morocco held in Berlin.
Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita led a delegation to take part in the dialogue session.
During the press conference, Baerbock reiterated Germany’s support for the UN-led political process aimed at achieving an agreed upon political solution to the Sahara dispute.
Germany and Morocco have been committed to boosting bilateral ties after months of political rift the two countries experienced in 2021.
Morocco recalled its ambassador from Germany in May 2021, two months after the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced “the suspension of all contacts” with the German embassy in Rabat.
After recalling the Moroccan ambassador, the ministry explained that the decision was due to Germany’s “exacerbated hostile acts” against Moroccan interests, particularly the country’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Western Sahara region.
In recent years however, the new German government stressed the importance of mending bilateral ties with Morocco, and stressed its willingness to turn the page of disagreements and restore diplomatic relations with Morocco.
On December 13, 2021, the German Foreign Ministry released a communique expressing support for Morocco’s contribution to the UN-led political process to find a political solution to the conflict over the Western Sahara region.
In the document, the German ministry asserted that the Moroccan Autonomy Plan is an “important contribution” to efforts to end the conflict.
The decision was welcomed by Rabat, leading to the two countries reaffirming their commitment to continue boosting cooperation at all levels– including in renewable energy and security.
