Britain’s Foreign Minister, David Lammy, stated on Sunday that the UK views Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the most viable foundation for resolving the Western Sahara conflict.
The long-standing dispute pits Morocco, which considers Western Sahara its own territory, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state in the region. Lammy told reporters after discussions with Morocco’s Foreign Minister that the autonomy plan submitted by Morocco in 2007 represents “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute.”
“The UK will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position to support the resolution of the conflict,” Lammy said during a visit to Rabat.
This stance positions Britain as the third permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to endorse Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, following the United States and France.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, hailed the UK’s position as historic, describing it as part of “a momentum to speed up the solution of the conflict.” He also indicated that UK investments in the territory were under consideration.
The two countries signed agreements to collaborate in healthcare, innovation, port and water infrastructure, and procurement.
Lammy stated that the agreements would “ensure British businesses score big on football’s biggest stage,” as Morocco seeks infrastructure investment in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
