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Doha – Albania has formally expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the Western Sahara, describing it as “a serious and credible foundation for the resolution of this regional dispute.”
The position was articulated in a joint statement signed on Saturday in Rabat by Igli Hasani, Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Albania recognizes the importance of the Western Sahara issue for Morocco as well as the serious and credible efforts of Morocco within the framework of the United Nations to find a mutually acceptable solution,” reads the joint declaration signed during Hasani’s official visit to Morocco.
The Albanian endorsement adds to growing international support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, which proposes significant self-governance for the territory while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the UN-led political process and expressed support for the efforts of Staffan De Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, “to reach a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, notably Resolution 2756 (2024).”
Albania’s endorsement marks another major victory in Morocco’s unstoppable diplomatic success on the Western Sahara dispute, adding to the 100+ countries backing its sovereignty, including over 20 in Europe.
Albania’s position follows a diplomatic evolution that began in 2004 when Tirana broke relations with the separatist Polisario Front’s self-proclaimed “SADR” after having recognized it during the communist era in 1987. This shift solidified in 2015 when Albania officially supported Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Atlantic Initiatives, visa exemptions, and more
Beyond the Western Sahara dispute, the ministerial talks covered several other areas of bilateral cooperation and regional concerns.
Albania expressed “great interest” in the Atlantic initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, particularly the November 6, 2023 initiative aimed at facilitating access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries.
The joint statement stressed Albania’s recognition of “Morocco’s role as a regional pole of stability and as relay for growth and development in Africa,” while Morocco acknowledged that “transformations in the Western Balkans region, in accordance with applicable international law, have significantly contributed to strengthening peace and stability.”
In a move to enhance tourism and people-to-people exchanges, Morocco announced the lifting of visa requirements for Albanian citizens traveling for short stays.
Both countries emphasized their “staunch commitment to maintaining and strengthening peace, stability, and security globally and in their respective regions, as well as to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States.”
The Albanian minister also praised the “far-reaching reforms undertaken over the past two decades under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI” and welcomed Morocco’s New Development Model.
Meanwhile, Bourita expressed support for “Albania’s efforts to join the European Union and the comprehensive transformative reforms undertaken by the Albanian Government towards future membership.”
The meeting concluded with both ministers pledging to pursue consultation and coordination within international organizations and agreeing to strengthen economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between their countries.
