Costa Rica Signals Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal in Sahara Dispute

The Costa Rica has expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a realistic path toward resolving the long-standing 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 Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Arnoldo André Tinoco, who is currently on a working visit to the Kingdom.

In the declaration, Costa Rica described the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco as “the most appropriate, serious, credible, and realistic basis” for reaching a political solution to the regional dispute. The Central American country also stated that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent the most feasible option for settling the issue.

Costa Rican officials further indicated that San José intends to act in accordance with this position at the political, diplomatic, economic, and consular levels.

Costa Rica also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 and acknowledged the importance Morocco places on the Sahara issue.

The declaration noted that Costa Rica is closely following what it described as the positive momentum surrounding the matter under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Both ministers also reiterated their support for the efforts of the United Nations and the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, whose mission is to advance the political process aimed at achieving a definitive and lasting resolution to the regional dispute.