Liam Fox: The King Leads Effective Diplomacy to Strengthen Moroccan Sovereignty
Liam Fox, the head of the British parliamentary group on the Abraham Accords, affirmed that Morocco continues to strengthen its sovereignty over its Sahara region through wise and effective diplomacy led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arab News Agency, Fox explained that the support expressed by the British government on Sunday for Morocco’s autonomy plan to settle the Sahara issue reflects the wisdom and appropriateness of the diplomacy led by the King.
On Sunday, the United Kingdom expressed its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, describing it as “the most credible, feasible, and pragmatic foundation for resolving the conflict.”
This position was articulated in a joint statement signed in Rabat by David Lammy, the British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development, and Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad.
The UK also confirmed in this statement that it “will continue to act according to this position at bilateral, regional, and international levels.”
Sir Liam Fox, who has held several ministerial positions, stated that the royal leadership serves as “a model to follow, guiding the way to progress even in the most complex political environments.”
Moreover, the British politician affirmed that the UK’s support for the Moroccan autonomy plan represents “the clearest evidence of Morocco’s importance as a strategic partner for the United Kingdom,” emphasizing that this decision will undoubtedly provide new momentum to cooperative relations with Morocco, one of the UK’s oldest allies.
He noted that Morocco and the UK have entered a new phase in their relationships, pointing out that this new British decision will pave the way for broader partnerships between the two kingdoms, including launching joint projects and investments in the southern regions of Morocco.
Fox regarded the support for the autonomy plan as recognition of the vital role that Morocco’s southern regions are expected to play, not just in projects like renewable energy, but also as a gateway to other areas in Africa, providing extensive opportunities for prosperity, stability, and security.
In a related context, prominent British newspapers highlighted the significant decision by the British government supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan to resolve the fabricated regional conflict over its territorial integrity.
The Financial Times, known among economic circles, described this decision as a “major diplomatic shift” towards resolving this issue, noting that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco for the Sahara, stressing that this plan, dating back to 2007, represents “the most credible, feasible, and pragmatic foundation for resolving the conflict.”
The newspaper viewed Lammy’s statements as “an effective recognition by the United Kingdom of Morocco’s sovereignty” over its southern territories.
It added that this British support comes at a time when Morocco has successfully garnered wide international support for its autonomy initiative in recent years.
For its part, The Guardian focused on the United Kingdom’s commitment, expressed by Lammy, to continue moving on a bilateral level, particularly in the economic field, as well as at regional and international levels, in line with this new position, to support the resolution of the conflict.
The newspaper also observed that the UK and Morocco are preparing to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher level as part of their efforts to enhance cooperation in all fields.
The report noted the signing of important cooperation agreements across several domains during the British diplomat’s visit to Rabat.
Similarly, The Independent, one of London’s major newspapers, reported that Lammy and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, emphasized the exceptional nature of the historical relations between the two kingdoms, noting that these relations are poised for a new qualitative leap following the signing of new cooperation agreements on Sunday.
The Daily Mail also highlighted that the UK has now become the third permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to announce its support for Morocco’s stance, following France and the United States.
The newspaper noted that Morocco has “invested heavily” in its southern regions, which have transformed into a hub for companies interested in fishing, agriculture, and infrastructure and clean energy projects.
