Finland has expressed supports to the Autonomy Plan for the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty as “one of the most feasible solutions” to the regional dispute.
This position was expressed in a Joint Communiqué adopted in Rabat this Sunday following a meeting between Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, who is on an official visit to Morocco, and her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.
Finland “reiterated its support for the Autonomy Plan presented by Morocco,” considering it a serious and credible basis for achieving a final and mutually acceptable political solution, the joint Communiqué stated.
The two officials also “welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025)” and reaffirmed their support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy aimed at reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue.
In August 2024, Finland stated that Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara issue provides a “good basis for a solution” to the long-running dispute, describing the proposal as “a serious and credible” contribution to the political process led by the United Nations.
In a statement announcing Elina Valtonen’s visit to Morocco, the Finnish Foreign Ministry said talks will cover bilateral relations and trade, the Sahara issue, and current foreign policy and security matters.
Discussions are also expected to cover the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and regional security, including developments in the Sahel and Sudan.
The meeting seeks to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in economic and political areas, the ministry said.
Relations between the two countries are “strong and offer potential for expansion,” particularly in trade and investment, Valtonen was quoted in the statement as saying. She also described Morocco as an “important partner” for the United Nations and for Europe.
