Former Japanese Ambassador Takashi Shinozuka: UK Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan is the Result of a “Long-Term Policy” Led by HM King Mohammed VI
Former Japanese Ambassador Takashi Shinozuka on Monday praised the United Kingdom’s new stance in favor of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, describing it as the outcome of a “long-term policy” pursued under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
“I would like to commend the recent announcement through which the United Kingdom made a wise choice, one that takes into account the real situation,” Mr. Shinozuka told MAP, commenting on the British decision to consider the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis” for reaching a final resolution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
The Japanese diplomat emphasized that this development, which comes as part of efforts to strengthen Morocco–UK relations, reflects the success of the long-term strategic policy championed by King Mohammed VI.
He noted that with this position, the UK becomes the third permanent member of the UN Security Council, and a key member of the G7, to support Morocco’s autonomy initiative — following the United States in 2020 and France in 2024.
Mr. Shinozuka expressed particular satisfaction with this evolution and highlighted the historical ties between Japan and the United Kingdom:
“For Japan, the UK is a very special country,” he said, referring to a nation with a long-standing monarchy, much like Japan and Morocco, and “a country that stood as our ally during difficult times.”
The former ambassador also expressed hope that London, as the leader of the Commonwealth, could exert a productive influence on certain member states of the organization regarding support for Morocco’s national cause.
In a joint communiqué signed Sunday in Rabat by UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad Nasser Bourita, the United Kingdom recognized the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the regional dispute, and announced its intention to act in accordance with this position at bilateral, regional, and international levels.
Editorial team/le7tv
