Croatia Joins Rising Tide of Support for Moroccan Autonomy Plan on Sahara
Zagreb, April 16, 2025 — In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Republic of Croatia has reiterated its backing of Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, calling it a “good basis” for a lasting and political solution.
This support was voiced by Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, during a press conference following talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Zagreb. The meeting resulted in a joint declaration reflecting strong alignment between the two nations on the issue.
“The Republic of Croatia considers Morocco’s autonomy plan to be a serious and credible effort, as well as a solid basis for reaching a mutually acceptable solution, in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions,” said Grlić Radman.
Croatia’s position adds to the growing international consensus in favor of the autonomy initiative, which has increasingly been seen as a realistic and pragmatic path forward. The Moroccan plan, presented in 2007, proposes a framework for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, aiming to resolve the long-standing dispute that has affected regional stability and international relations for decades.
During their discussions, both foreign ministers emphasized the importance of the UN-led process as the exclusive framework for negotiations. They reaffirmed their commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 2756 (2024), which underscores the need for a political solution based on compromise and sustained dialogue among all stakeholders.
Minister Bourita welcomed Croatia’s continued and clear support, highlighting the importance of partnerships within the European Union that value stability and pragmatic diplomacy in North Africa. He also emphasized the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in fostering peace, regional cooperation, and economic development across the African continent.
The Croatian-Moroccan dialogue also signals a broader commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across sectors, including trade, energy, and cultural cooperation, with both ministers expressing optimism about deepening collaboration at regional and international levels.
With Croatia now clearly joining the list of European countries endorsing Morocco’s autonomy initiative, the diplomatic momentum surrounding the Moroccan Sahara issue continues to gain pace — reinforcing the plan’s status as the most viable and widely supported path to a sustainable resolution.
