Sahara: Austria considers Autonomy Plan as ‘Serious and Credible Contribution’ to UN-led Political Process

Austria considers the autonomy plan for the Sahara, presented by Morocco in 2007, as a “serious and credible contribution” to the UN-led political process and as a basis for a solution agreed upon by the parties.

This came in the joint statement adopted at the end of the meeting, Tuesday in Rabat, between the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, and Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch.

The Federal Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer paid an official visit to Morocco this February 27-28, at the head of a high-level delegation.

This visit is part of the celebration, on February 28, 2023, of the 240th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, when Mohamed Ben Abdelmalek presented his credentials, as Ambassador of Sultan Moulay Mohamed III, to Emperor Joseph II, on February 28, 1783.

In the joint statement, the two countries affirmed their support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, and his efforts to continue the political process aimed at reaching “a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution”, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aims and principles set out in the UN Charter.

In this context, Morocco welcomed Austria’s willingness to continue its valuable support to MINURSO.

Austria also welcomed the large-scale reforms carried out by Morocco under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, for a more open and dynamic Moroccan society and economy, notably through the new development model and advanced regionalization, as well as the empowerment of women and sustainable development.

Likewise, Austria welcomed Morocco’s leadership in the region and the Kingdom’s role as a regional pole of stability and a relay of growth and development in Africa.

The two sides also underlined the constructive and positive roles of Morocco and Austria in maintaining peace and stability in their respective regions.

Austria welcomed the resumption and steady development of relations between Morocco and Israel, the document said, noting that the Kingdom and Austria stressed the potential of relations with Israel for peace, security and prosperity in the region.

Both sides also confirmed their commitment to the two-state solution where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.