Czech Republic Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as Practical Path to Resolve Sahara Dispute

The Czech Republic has expressed support for an autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco as the most practical solution to the long-running dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

The position was outlined in a joint declaration signed in Rabat following talks between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and the Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petr Macinka, who is visiting Morocco for the first time.

In the declaration, the Czech Republic stated that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty constitutes the most feasible solution” to the regional dispute, signaling its intention to act in line with this position.

As part of this approach, the Czech ambassador to Morocco will travel to the Sahara region to help organize visits by Czech business leaders and encourage economic cooperation and joint projects in the area.

The declaration also states that the Czech Embassy in Rabat will expand its consular services to cover the Sahara region, just as it does for the rest of Morocco’s territory. This step reflects Prague’s position on the issue at diplomatic, economic and consular levels.

The Czech Republic also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, noting that Morocco’s autonomy proposal presented in 2007 remains the most appropriate, credible and realistic basis for reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

Both ministers reaffirmed their support for the efforts led by the United Nations and the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for the Sahara, whose mission aims to advance the political process and help achieve a final settlement to the regional dispute.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and international cooperation to support a peaceful resolution and promote economic development in the region.