Guatemala considers autonomy initiative as ‘only serious, credible and realistic basis’ for settling Sahara regional dispute; hails bilateral relations positive dynamic

Guatemala affirmed on Thursday that the Morocco-proposed autonomy initiative for the Sahara is “the only serious, credible and realistic basis to move towards a lasting agreement for a definitive settlement of this artificial conflict, in full respect of the Kingdom’s territorial integrity and its national sovereignty.”

This position was expressed by Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Ramiro Martinez Alvarado, during a press briefing following his meeting in Rabat with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

The Guatemalan top diplomat also expressed his country’s full support for the Kingdom’s efforts to reach a political, realistic, pragmatic, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to this regional dispute.

Morocco and Guatemala also underlined their commitment to the sacred principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It is worth noting that Guatemala was the first Latin American country to open a Consulate General in the city of Dakhla, in December 2022.

This renewed endorsement comes amid a broader shift in Latin America. The Central American Parliament (Parlacen) recently adopted a unanimous resolution in San Salvador supporting Morocco’s Autonomy Plan. The resolution praised the initiative as “the only serious, pragmatic, and credible solution” and called on the international community to rally behind Morocco’s efforts

Morocco’s strategic engagement with Latin America has yielded significant diplomatic dividends. Countries that once supported the Algeria-backed polisario militias have reversed their positions, aligning with Morocco’s vision for regional peace and stability.

Beyond Latin America, Morocco’s autonomy plan continues to gain traction among global powers. The United States, France, Spain, and most recently the United Kingdom have all endorsed the plan.

This alignment of major powers with Morocco further isolates Algeria, the real party that has prevented progress towards the autonomy plan.

As international consensus continues to coalesce around Morocco’s autonomy proposal, Morocco continues to blend diplomacy, development, and strategic alliances to gear the geopolitical landscape of North Africa towards stability, conflict-prevention and economic development.

At the joint press briefing, the two officials hailed the outstanding Morocco–Guatemala relations, which are marked by a very positive dynamic, and highlighted the excellent ties of friendship and solidarity uniting the two nations. They agreed on the need to continue these exchanges and to bolster bilateral relations.

They also underscored that international law is fundamentally based on respect for territorial integrity, state sovereignty, and the fulfillment of obligations under treaties and other sources of international law.

Furthermore, the two officials exchanged views on regional and international issues, particularly the situation in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

They likewise expressed their shared willingness to continue strengthening the bilateral legal framework to address areas of common interest for cooperation and welcomed the signing of the Morocco–Guatemala Cooperation Roadmap for 2025–2027, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding in academic and diplomatic cooperation between the Moroccan Institute for Training, Research, and Diplomatic Studies and the Diplomatic Academy of Guatemala.

They also emphasized that multilateral cooperation remains essential to intensify efforts in areas of shared interest such as trade, food security, sustainable development—including access to energy, water and food, fuels and fertilizers—as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation, education, health, pandemic prevention and response, and the fight against terrorism and transnational crime, which are sources of insecurity and corruption.

The two officials likewise discussed the importance of implementing the SDGs in an integrated and holistic manner, particularly with the goal of eradicating poverty and combating climate change, while promoting sustainable land use and water management.

Concerning migration, which both countries face, Morocco and Guatemala commended the efforts made in this area, particularly within the framework of the Marrakech Pact, the Rabat Process, and the Los Angeles Declaration, reiterating their shared commitment to dynamic mobility that enables a safe, smooth, and orderly movement of people.

On the economic front, both countries highlighted the importance of launching projects aimed at decarbonizing the economy, which offers great potential for investors, especially in the field of renewable energy.