The Moroccan Sahara: An Irreversible Dynamic
Mr. Bourita stressed that Morocco’s participation in this 80th session further reinforced the international momentum in support of the Autonomy Initiative, within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This dynamic, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, enjoys growing support, particularly from the United States, whose position encouraging investment across the national territory, including in the Southern Provinces, constitutes an “economic recognition of Moroccan sovereignty.” He also noted that countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and other international partners now view the Southern Provinces not only as a development opportunity but also as a strategic gateway to the African continent.
Royal Initiatives for Africa
The African dimension of Moroccan diplomacy also featured prominently. Nasser Bourita recalled that the Royal Initiative to provide Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean has entered an operational phase, with growing international support. This project reflects a paradigm shift: the Sahel is no longer perceived solely as a crisis zone but as a reservoir of opportunities and development potential. In the same spirit, the ministerial meeting dedicated to the Atlantic Africa Initiative outlined the next steps of cooperation with several countries, including Mauritania, Cameroon and Benin, to strengthen integration and connectivity across the African Atlantic space.
A Spiritual and Intellectual Reference
The minister also emphasized the significance of the Royal Letter addressed to the Supreme Council of Ulema on the occasion of the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Prophet Sidna Mohammed (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him). This Letter, he noted, was hailed within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as a major reference, combining spiritual depth with intellectual guidance.
Morocco and Middle East Challenges
Nasser Bourita also confirmed that Morocco’s position, faithful to the Royal orientations expressed at Arab and Islamic Summits, was reaffirmed in New York. The Kingdom advocated for:
- rejecting crisis-management approaches in favor of sustainable solutions;
- an immediate ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians;
- defending the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution and the Arab Peace Initiative.
As Chair of the Al-Quds Committee, His Majesty King Mohammed VI also reiterated the importance of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency in preserving the multi-religious identity of the Holy City and supporting the humanitarian needs of Palestinians.
Side Event on African Connectivity
The minister recalled that Morocco also organized a high-level side event dedicated to African connectivity. This initiative brought the issue back to the forefront of multilateral debates and strengthened advocacy for a more resilient, prosperous, and globally integrated Africa.
A Diplomacy of Proximity and Partnership
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Nasser Bourita also held multiple bilateral meetings with counterparts from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These exchanges helped to consolidate South-South relations and further diversify Morocco’s strategic partnerships, in line with the Royal Vision of an open, balanced, and proactive diplomacy.
Editorial team/le7tv