North Macedonia Endorses Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as Sole Path to Resolve Sahara Dispute

Rabat | July 21, 2025 —
In a significant diplomatic development, the Republic of North Macedonia has officially declared its support for Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan as the only viable basis for resolving the long-standing dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

The endorsement came through a Joint Statement signed in Skopje by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timčo Mucunski.

Firm Backing for UN-Led Process

The document reaffirmed North Macedonia’s “longstanding support for the UN-led process aimed at reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.” Both nations reiterated their commitment to the United Nations’ role, specifically underlining UN Security Council Resolution 2756 (October 2024), which emphasizes realism, compromise, and responsibility on all sides involved.

North Macedonia’s new stance aligns it with a growing number of countries supporting Morocco’s sovereignty and the autonomy proposal as the most credible, serious, and pragmatic solution to the regional conflict.

Support for UN Secretary-General’s Envoy

The joint statement also praised the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, affirming both countries’ support for his mission to advance the political process in line with UN principles and resolutions.

A Boost to Morocco’s Diplomatic Momentum

This move adds further momentum to Morocco’s international campaign for recognition of its sovereignty over the Sahara, a diplomatic push spearheaded by King Mohammed VI. The growing consensus reflects rising global confidence in the Autonomy Plan as a stabilizing framework that could help bring an end to one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts.

North Macedonia’s recognition not only strengthens Morocco’s position on the global stage but also underscores a broader international trend toward endorsing pragmatic solutions to regional disputes—ones rooted in cooperation, compromise, and respect for sovereignty.

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Related Context:
Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Initiative proposes granting significant self-governance to the Sahara region while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty. It has been endorsed by numerous countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Arab world as a realistic foundation for peace and stability.