Washington, D.C. — In alignment with the position originally communicated by former President Donald Trump to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the United States has reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region.
This position was reiterated during a high-level meeting in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed that “the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over [the] Sahara,” reinforcing a policy direction first announced under the Trump administration.
The roots of this stance date back to a phone conversation in December 2020, during which President Trump personally informed King Mohammed VI of a presidential proclamation. The document, which holds both legal and political weight, officially recognized Morocco’s full sovereignty over the entire Sahara region. The move was historic and marked a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the long-standing territorial dispute.
Reiterating this policy, Secretary Rubio stated that the United States continues to support Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal, calling it “serious, credible, and realistic,” and emphasizing it as the only viable foundation for resolving the conflict. “Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution,” Rubio asserted, according to U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Secretary Rubio further urged all parties involved in the dispute to return to the negotiating table without delay, using Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal as the exclusive framework for dialogue. “The U.S. President is encouraging all sides to engage constructively, seeking a mutually acceptable solution that ensures stability and peace in the region,” he added.
The U.S. also confirmed its readiness to facilitate diplomatic efforts and support international negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting and just resolution to the dispute.
This latest reaffirmation of U.S. policy underscores a continued strategic alignment with Morocco and reflects Washington’s broader interest in stability and partnership across North Africa.
