Sahara: London supports UN-led efforts & affirms its position is constantly reviewed

The British government has reiterated its support for the UN-led political process engaged to find a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the Sahara issue, and affirmed that it is constantly reviewing its position amid mounting parliamentary pressure to follow suit of UK’s allies in recognizing the Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.

During a Westminster Hall debate held lately at UK Parliament, David Rutley, Parliamentary under-secretary of state at Foreign Office, said the UK has consistently supported UN efforts aimed at achieving a just, enduring and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise.

He also said his country backs UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura and the MINURSO, affirming that his country has not commented PUBLICLY on Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan for the Sahara, but that “is NOT a judgment on its merits or otherwise.”

“I can assure this House that the UK would, of course, warmly welcome any solution that can secure the support of all parties to resolve this dispute,” said Mr. Rutley.

“I can confirm to honorable MPs that our position on Sahara is constantly reviewed”, he underlined, suggesting that the British government is currently assessing its position and geostrategic interests in the new World Order taking shape.

UK’s partnership with Morocco has a long history, stretching back over 800 years, and continues to go from strength to strength, with deepening collaboration across new and existing areas, said the under-secretary of state, explaining that the Moroccan-British relationship is structured on four pillars: diplomacy, security, economy, and education and culture.

The UK and Morocco are like-minded partners on several foreign policy matters, given the continued unrest in the Middle-East following the events on 7 October, said the British government official, citing in this regard the talks held between the two countries top diplomats on shared concerns and avenues for co-operation.

King Mohammed VI has played an influential role in providing humanitarian support for Gaza, said Mr. Rutley, recalling the 40 tons of food sent by Morocco by the Kerem Shalom crossing at His Majesty’s instruction.

The UK and Morocco also co-operate multilaterally—for example, at the United Nations. The two countries work together in many other areas. For example, there are over 40 planned defense activities over the year, including this year’s iteration of Exercise Jebel Sahara, a long-running joint military exercise first held in 1989.

In security matters, Morocco and the UK have enjoyed diverse engagement in many fields, supporting shared interests through training and the exchange of best practices, said the Parliamentary under-secretary of State.

Bilateral economic partnership gets stronger by the day, he added, saying that trade has increased significantly since the association agreement came into force in 2021, bringing total trade to £3.5 billion a year.

“Our relationship with Morocco is important and growing. Morocco is a stable, friendly and important country in the region that is undergoing positive economic and socioeconomic reforms, guided by HM King Mohammed VI”, said Mr. Rutley.

“We look forward to developing our relationship further. We are convinced that finding a solution to the issue of Sahara would unlock enormous potential, not just for Morocco but for the whole region,” underlined the British government official.