RABAT, Nov 1, (Agencies): Moroccan King Mohammed VI called on Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to engage in “fraternal and sincere dialogue” between Morocco and Algeria to overcome their differences and build new relations based on trust, brotherhood and good neighborliness. King Mohammed VI affirmed the commitment of his country to continue exerting efforts to revive the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) based on mutual respect, cooperation and integration among its five member states. In a televised address to the Moroccan people, following the United Nations (UN) Security Council’s vote in favor of a US-backed resolution supporting the initiative of Rabat regarding the Western Sahara issue, the King stressed that history and geography dictate unity, not division. He said “I call on President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to engage in a sincere and fraternal dialogue between Morocco and Algeria to overcome differences and build new relations based on trust and good neighborliness.”
The Moroccan monarch welcomed the UN Security Council resolution supporting the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007, considering the resolution a “new breakthrough” in the process of consolidating Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and putting a definitive end to the fabricated conflict surrounding it. He pointed out that “the international community recognized the credibility of the autonomy initiative as the only viable and consensual solution to the conflict,” adding that the Kingdom is approaching this historic shift with confidence and responsibility, following 50 years of national sacrifices. He considers the adoption of the UN resolution a culmination of the process that began with the Green March in 1975 and a reinforcement of the gains achieved by Morocco in defending its territorial integrity and full sovereignty over its southern provinces.
He expressed his pride that this important international development coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Green March and the 70th anniversary of Morocco’s independence, emphasizing that the Kingdom will continue working to promote comprehensive development in the southern provinces and consolidate Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara in all international forums. He confirmed his country’s determination to update the autonomy initiative and present it to the UN as the sole basis for negotiations on the Sahara region and the only solution. He stated that despite the positive developments in the Sahara issue, Morocco remains committed to finding a win-win solution that satisfies all parties.
He added “we will update the autonomy initiative and present it to the UN to be the sole basis for negotiations, as it is the only solution to the Sahara issue.” He emphasized that his country is experiencing a new breakthrough in the process of consolidating Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. He said “we are pleased with the UN Security Council resolution,” adding that he shares his people’s satisfaction with the resolution.
He continued “we are living through a pivotal moment and a decisive turning point in the history of modern Morocco. There is a period before Oct 31, 2025, and there is a period after it. After 50 years of sacrifices, we are, with the help of Allah, beginning a new chapter in the process of consolidating Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and definitively resolving this fabricated conflict through a consensual solution based on the autonomy initiative.” He added “the time has come for unified Morocco -- from Tangier to Lagouira, whose rights and historical borders will not be infringed upon by anyone. Our country neither considers these changes a victory nor exploits them to fuel conflict and disputes.”
He expressed his gratitude to the countries that contributed to this change with their constructive stances like the United States of America, Britain, Spain, France, and the Arab and Islamic countries. Two days ago, thousands of Moroccans participated in public celebrations that erupted in several cities following the UN resolution. The celebrations began in Rabat, Casablanca, Tetouan and Laayoune in the Western Sahara region. Participants waved national flags alongside images of the Western Sahara, chanted slogans and sang songs in jubilation over the UN decision. The UN Security Council voted in favor of a US-drafted resolution supporting Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the Western Sahara. The Moroccan News Agency reported that the Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) mandate until Oct 31, 2026. Eleven countries voted in favor, while Russia, China and Pakistan abstained. Algeria did not participate in the vote. The resolution reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the Western Sahara.
