Rabat – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Friday reaffirmed their support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara, reiterating their backing for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the most reliable basis for a lasting resolution of the territorial dispute.
Speaking on behalf of the GCC during a meeting of the UN Fourth Committee in New York, Bahrain’s representative reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara.
The representative also welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, describing it as an important step toward a political settlement based on Morocco’s Autonomy Plan. The resolution extended the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31 this year, while calling on the parties to engage in negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable political solution.
The GCC also reiterated its support for UN-led efforts to reach a definitive settlement while respecting Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The bloc’s position comes as the UN Security Council prepares to revisit the Sahara issue this month. Greece, which holds the Council’s presidency in October, has scheduled meetings on MINURSO for October 7 and 8.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres submitted his latest report on the situation concerning Western Sahara to the Security Council on October 1. The report is expected to inform the Council’s discussions on the mission and the wider political process.
The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, and all six countries have repeatedly expressed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and autonomy plan.
In December 2025, the GCC’s Supreme Council reaffirmed the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and welcomed Resolution 2797 during its 46th session in Manama.
The latest statement in New York comes amid renewed diplomatic activity around the Sahara issue, with UN-led discussions continuing under the framework established by Resolution 2797.
