Bulgaria Signals Stronger Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, Calling It a Viable Path to Resolving the Sahara Dispute

Rabat – July 28, 2026 — In a significant diplomatic development that reflects growing international support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara issue, Bulgaria has declared that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could be a viable solution” to the regional dispute.

The announcement marks an important evolution in Sofia’s position and reinforces the expanding international momentum behind Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, which has steadily gained recognition from countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East as the most realistic framework for achieving a lasting political settlement.

The position was outlined in an official Joint Communiqué released following a telephone conversation between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Velislava Petrova-Chamova.

Bulgaria Highlights Autonomy Under Moroccan Sovereignty

According to the communiqué, Bulgaria acknowledged that, in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025, genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents a viable avenue for resolving the Sahara dispute.

The statement further emphasized that Bulgaria considers the Autonomy Initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 to be a serious, credible, and realistic basis for reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution under the framework of the United Nations.

The declaration places Bulgaria among the growing number of European countries expressing support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, a plan that seeks to grant broad self-governing powers to the region while preserving Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A Growing International Consensus

Bulgaria’s announcement reflects the steady expansion of international backing for Morocco’s diplomatic initiative.

Over the past several years, an increasing number of governments have concluded that Morocco’s Autonomy Plan offers the most practical and achievable path toward ending one of North Africa’s longest-running regional disputes.

Many countries now view the proposal as a balanced compromise that addresses regional stability, promotes economic development, and supports the United Nations’ efforts to facilitate a political solution acceptable to all parties.

The latest Bulgarian position follows a broader international trend in which governments have increasingly described the Moroccan initiative as the most serious basis for future negotiations.

Resolution 2797 Reinforces UN Framework

The communiqué specifically referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which reaffirmed support for the political process led by the United Nations Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy.

The resolution encourages continued negotiations aimed at achieving a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution based on compromise, while acknowledging the relevance of Morocco’s autonomy initiative within the UN process.

By linking its position to Resolution 2797, Bulgaria underscored its support for resolving the dispute through diplomacy and dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations.

Strengthening Morocco–Bulgaria Relations

Beyond the Sahara issue, the conversation between the two foreign ministers highlighted the strengthening partnership between Morocco and Bulgaria.

The two countries have continued to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors, including:

• Trade and investment
• Renewable energy
• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Higher education
• Security cooperation
• Regional stability

Diplomatic observers view Bulgaria’s latest position as another indication of the growing political trust between Rabat and Sofia and a reflection of their shared interest in expanding bilateral cooperation.

Morocco’s Diplomatic Strategy Continues to Gain Ground

The announcement also illustrates the continued effectiveness of Morocco’s diplomatic engagement under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whose foreign policy has prioritized strengthening partnerships across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

In recent years, Morocco has secured growing international support for its sovereignty over the Sahara through sustained diplomatic outreach, economic partnerships, and strategic cooperation with numerous countries.

This expanding network of support has been accompanied by increasing recognition of Morocco’s role as a regional hub for investment, renewable energy, infrastructure, and security cooperation, further enhancing the Kingdom’s international standing.

Europe Shows Increasing Interest in Morocco’s Proposal

Bulgaria’s position is particularly noteworthy because it adds to a broader shift within Europe, where several governments have publicly expressed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan or described it as a serious and credible basis for resolving the dispute.

European nations have increasingly emphasized the importance of a pragmatic political solution that contributes to regional stability, economic integration, and stronger cooperation between Europe and North Africa.

As geopolitical and economic ties between the two regions continue to expand, Morocco has become an increasingly important strategic partner in areas ranging from migration and counterterrorism to renewable energy and trade.

Momentum Continues to Build

Bulgaria’s declaration represents another milestone in the growing international momentum surrounding Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.

As more countries endorse the initiative as a credible framework for achieving peace and stability, Morocco continues to strengthen its diplomatic position while expanding partnerships with nations that view the autonomy proposal as the most realistic path toward a lasting political settlement.

The latest statement from Sofia underscores the evolving international landscape on the Sahara issue and reflects the continued efforts by both Morocco and Bulgaria to deepen their bilateral relationship while supporting a peaceful resolution under the framework of the United Nations.