Finland backs Morocco’s autonomy plan as most feasible solution to Sahara issue

Finland considers that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution” to the Moroccan Sahara Issue.

This position was expressed in a Joint Communiqué adopted in Rabat, on Sunday, following a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, MFA Nasser Bourita, and Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Elina Valtonen, who is on an official visit to Morocco.

In this respect, Finland “reiterated its support for the autonomy plan presented by Morocco”, considering it a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and good basis to achieve a definitive and mutually acceptable political solution, states the Joint Communique.

The two Ministers 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 aiming at achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the issue of the Moroccan Sahara.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Belgium reaffirmed on Monday its clear and consistent support for the Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, considering it “the most adequate, serious, credible, and realistic basis” for achieving a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.

This position was expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. Maxime Prévot, following his meeting in Rabat with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, MFA Nasser Bourita.

On this occasion, Prévot also emphasized that this position is consistent with the stance expressed in the Joint Declaration signed in Brussels on October 23, 2025, and acknowledges the existential importance of this issue for the Kingdom of Morocco, firmly placing the Sahara region within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty and national unity.

The Belgian Foreign Minister also stressed that he intends to act accordingly on diplomatic and economic levels and that Belgium’s position aligns with international law.

He reiterated the announcement that the Belgian Ambassador in Rabat will soon be invited to visit the Sahara region to prepare and support several economic initiatives, such as visits by Belgian companies and the organization of trade fairs by the three regional agencies.

Regarding the extension of consular coverage for Belgian nationals residing in the Sahara and for Belgians traveling in the region, Belgium reiterated that its Consulate General in Rabat is competent for the entire Kingdom of Morocco without regional distinction, including the Sahara region.

Prévot’s visit reflects the positive momentum in relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Belgium, marked by regular political dialogue and a shared desire to deepen a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and convergence of views on matters of common interest.