Canada said on April 28 it supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the basis for a mutually acceptable political solution, a move that could mark a turning point in bilateral relations that have faced strain in recent months.
The position was set out in a statement by Global Affairs Canada after Foreign Minister Anita Anand held talks by phone with her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.
In the readout, Canada said it “recognizes Morocco’s autonomy plan as the basis for a mutually acceptable solution” to the long‑running conflict and described the proposal as a “serious and credible initiative” toward a just and lasting settlement.
Ottawa also endorsed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on Oct. 31, 2025, which calls for renewed efforts to reach a political solution to the dispute in line with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.
Canadian officials said Anand reaffirmed her country’s commitment to constructive dialogue with Morocco and expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations. Global Affairs Canada said Anand plans to make an official visit to Morocco in the coming weeks.
The statement reflects a clearer alignment by Canada with Morocco’s core position on the issue, after a period of ambiguity that had complicated relations between the two countries.
Moroccan officials have repeatedly said that their international partnerships are predicated on respect for territorial integrity, non‑interference and reciprocity, and that the Sahara issue is not subject to compromise in bilateral relations.
The Canadian statement acknowledged what it called the importance of the Sahara issue to Morocco, language that officials in Rabat say is essential for any reset in ties.
Relations between the two countries have been affected in recent months by disagreements over political signals and concerns raised by Moroccan officials about activities in Canada they say have targeted Morocco’s institutions and sovereignty.
Canada’s move brings it closer to a growing group of countries that view Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most realistic framework for resolving the conflict, amid stalled UN mediation efforts and shifting diplomatic alignments.
The Canadian move is part of a global momentum in favor of Morocco’s position on the conflict, with global powers such as the United States, France, Spain and the UK already backing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a solution to the over-five decade conflict.
