Belgium Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara and Announces Official Visits to the Southern Provinces
Rabat – Belgium has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara, describing the initiative as the most serious and credible basis for achieving a lasting political solution. The position was reiterated on Monday in Rabat by Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot during a joint press conference with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
The Belgian foreign minister stated that his country assumes “a great responsibility” in translating its commitments regarding the Moroccan Sahara into concrete actions. According to him, Brussels is fully aware of the strategic and political importance of this issue for Morocco.
He noted that this awareness is now reflected in what he described as a “clear and explicit” position voluntarily adopted by Belgium. In this context, he recalled that the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 represents “the most serious, realistic and credible basis” for reaching a lasting and consensual solution between the parties, in respect of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Belgium also announced practical measures aimed at reinforcing its engagement. Maxime Prévot revealed that Belgian consular coverage would be expanded, with the jurisdiction of the Belgian consulate general based in Rabat now extending to the entire Moroccan territory, including the southern provinces.
According to the Belgian minister, this decision reflects a determination to move “from declarations to concrete actions,” with the aim of strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries.
As part of this new dynamic, Belgium plans to launch several initiatives in the coming months. The minister announced that he has invited the Belgian ambassador to Morocco to carry out an official visit to the southern provinces.
He also mentioned the upcoming organization of a Moroccan-Belgian economic forum, alongside the dispatch of an economic mission tasked with exploring investment and partnership opportunities in the region. Several Belgian companies are expected to take part in these initiatives as part of this new phase of cooperation.
In addition, a significant delegation is expected to visit the southern provinces in the coming months, while Belgium’s Minister for Integration and Employment could also undertake a visit to the region.
On the cultural front, Maxime Prévot raised the possibility of honoring Morocco in Belgium through the Europalia cultural festival, an initiative launched by the Belgian royal family in 1969 to celebrate the cultural heritage of different countries.
If Morocco accepts the proposal, with the support of King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom could become the guest of honor at a future edition of the festival, highlighting Morocco’s cultural, artistic and historical richness in the heart of Europe.
The Belgian minister concluded by stressing that relations between Rabat and Brussels are built on mutual trust, clarity, and a shared sense of responsibility, adding that these solid foundations will allow the partnership between the two countries to deepen further in the coming years.
Editorial team/le7tv
