Portugal Affirms Full Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over the Sahara and Deals a Strong Blow to Territorial Unity Opponents
In a notable diplomatic development, Portugal has officially joined the ranks of countries supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and the proposal for autonomy as a solution to the regional dispute. This announcement came during a joint statement signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad Nasser Bourita and Portuguese State Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel during their meeting in Lisbon.
In the document, Portugal affirmed its full support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative, describing it as the most constructive, serious, and credible basis for resolving the dispute. The Portuguese position was also based on what the announcement called Lisbon’s recognition of the importance of this issue for Rabat, along with its appreciation for the serious and credible efforts made by Morocco, under the supervision of the United Nations, to find a just, lasting, and acceptable political solution for the concerned parties.
The two sides emphasized in the same statement their support for Security Council Resolution 2756, which sets the responsibility of the parties in moving towards a realistic and pragmatic political solution based on consensus.
This diplomatic push reflects the active implementation of the high royal directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aimed at enhancing international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and establishing the Kingdom’s position as a responsible actor in its regional and international environment.
The significance of Portugal’s position extends beyond the political dimension, as it cements the support of one of Morocco’s key European partners for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom. It also strengthens the international momentum in favor of the autonomy plan, thereby enhancing Morocco’s position in various forums and bolstering the stability of the southern regions as an integral part of national territory.
