Sahara: Belgium reaffirms its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan

On Monday, the Kingdom of Belgium reaffirmed its clear and constant support for the Initiative for Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, considering it “the most appropriate, serious, credible, and realistic basis” for achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.

This position was expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium, Maxime Prévot, following his meeting in Rabat with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita.
On this occasion, Mr. Prévot also stressed that this position is in line with the position expressed in the Joint Declaration signed in Brussels on October 23, 2025, and recognizes the existential importance of this issue for the Kingdom of Morocco, placing the Sahara region firmly within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty and national unity.

The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs also stressed that he intends to act accordingly on the diplomatic and economic fronts and that Belgium’s position is in line with international law.

He thus reiterated the announcement that the Belgian Ambassador to Rabat will soon be invited to visit the Sahara region in order to prepare and support several economic initiatives, such as visits by Belgian companies and the organization of economic fairs by the three regional agencies.

With regard to the extension of consular coverage for Belgian nationals residing in the Sahara and Belgians visiting the region, Belgium reiterated that its Consulate General in Rabat is responsible for the Kingdom of Morocco as a whole, without regional distinction, including the Sahara region.

Mr. Prévot’s visit is part of the positive momentum in relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Belgium, marked by regular political dialogue and a shared desire to deepen a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and convergence of views on issues of common interest..

On the economic front, the two ministers agreed to encourage investment and partnerships in high value-added sectors, including energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, the green economy, and industrial innovation. They also highlighted Morocco’s role as a gateway to the African continent and Belgium’s role as a strategic European hub.

At the multilateral level, Rabat and Brussels reaffirmed their commitment to effective multilateralism, respect for international law, and the promotion of negotiated political solutions to regional crises. The two parties stressed the importance of increased coordination within international forums, particularly on issues related to security, climate, and development.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen parliamentary and institutional exchanges, as well as contacts between economic and academic actors, in order to consolidate a modern, balanced and innovation-oriented partnership that reflects the depth of a friendship that is set to develop further in the coming years.

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