RABAT – In a major diplomatic win for Morocco, the Republic of North Macedonia has officially announced its endorsement of Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan as the only credible and serious framework to resolve the Western Sahara conflict. The decision reflects a broader international consensus increasingly aligning behind Morocco’s territorial integrity and its constructive approach to regional peace.
This important declaration came during a high-level meeting in Skopje on Monday, where North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita signed a joint statement reaffirming shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Minister Mucunski emphasized North Macedonia’s longstanding support for a political solution based on compromise, sustainability, and realism—values embodied in the Moroccan initiative.
Both countries also reiterated their firm support for the ongoing UN-led process and for Security Council Resolution 2756, adopted in October 2024, which underscores the importance of a pragmatic and enduring solution. They also backed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy in advancing inclusive dialogue in line with international legality.
This announcement places North Macedonia among a growing list of nations recognizing the Moroccan autonomy proposal as the most viable and practical solution to end decades of stalemate in Western Sahara. France, Spain, the United States, and most recently the United Kingdom have all explicitly backed the plan.
French President Emmanuel Macron described Morocco’s plan as “the only basis” for resolving the conflict. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this view during his visit to Rabat on June 1, calling the initiative “credible, viable, and pragmatic.” The United States, under its 2020 declaration, recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, while Spain’s 2022 shift marked a historic reorientation of its foreign policy.
Morocco’s Autonomy Plan offers genuine self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty while preserving regional stability and development. It reflects Morocco’s forward-thinking vision for a united Maghreb and an Africa anchored in peace and economic cooperation.
The endorsement by North Macedonia adds yet another voice to the international chorus recognizing the plan’s alignment with the UN framework and its potential to bring about a durable resolution. As global momentum continues to grow, the Moroccan initiative stands as the most responsible and future-oriented pathway for peace in Western Sahara.
BY: The Times Union
