U.S. renews support for Moroccan autonomy initiative for Sahara, hails King’s support to stability, development across the region and in Africa

The United States has reaffirmed its support for the Morocco-proposed autonomy initiative as a serious, credible, and realistic solution to the Sahara issue, and hailed King Mohammed VI’s continued and valuable support to stability, security, and development across the region and the African continent.

The remarks were made by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, on Friday in Rabat, during a press briefing following talks with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.

Washington reaffirms its support for the Morocco-proposed autonomy initiative as a serious, credible, and realistic solution to the Sahara issue, said the U.S. official.

Washington continues to support the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, in his efforts to advance negotiations toward a mutually acceptable political solution, she added.

The U.S. official stated further that the United States appreciates King Mohammed VI’s continued and valuable support on issues of common interest, emphasizing that this support “enhances stability, security, and development across the region and the African continent.”

“The United States values Morocco’s crucial voice in advancing a more peaceful and secure Middle East region, as well as its leadership in responding to humanitarian needs in Gaza,” Leaf added. She noted that Morocco’s longstanding commitment to co-existence remains an important example in this context.

The U.S. official said her meeting with Bourita is part of the close coordination and cooperation between the two countries on regional and global priorities.

“Morocco is one of our closest and oldest allies,” she continued, specifying that her discussions with Bourita provided an opportunity to explore ways to deepen relations between the Kingdom and the United States.