Strengthening American Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty over the Sahara: A New Era of Strategic Cooperation with Washington
The former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Edward Royce, has praised the reaffirmation of the U.S. stance supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. He emphasized that this support “strengthens diplomacy in key capitals” in the pursuit of a definitive resolution to this regional dispute, relying on Morocco’s autonomy initiative.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated this recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the region, confirming that the Kingdom’s autonomy proposal constitutes “the only credible and realistic basis” for resolving the dispute. Speaking to the MAP agency, Royce referred to a statement from the State Department, following a meeting between Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Foreign Minister, and his American counterpart in Washington.
Drawing on his 26 years of experience in Congress, Royce views the Moroccan autonomy plan as “the most detailed and internationally supported framework currently on the table.” He noted that Donald Trump’s return has reignited expectations for new actions regarding Western Sahara, expectations bolstered by the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in December 2020. According to Royce, the United States now has “the opportunity to shape this process by aligning diplomatic, development, and security resources to support Morocco’s efforts.”
Discussing the strategic cooperation between the two countries, Royce, a former member of the House Financial Services Committee, highlighted the shared commitment of the United States and Morocco “to promote peace and security under the leadership of President Trump and His Majesty King Mohammed VI.” This collaboration continues to strengthen the multifaceted alliance between the two nations. He underscored that Morocco plays a central role in regional security, particularly through joint military exercises like “African Lion,” which illustrate defense cooperation. Furthermore, Morocco’s unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution and its engagement in regional diplomacy are essential to American efforts to stabilize the Middle East.
Royce also spoke of Morocco’s initiatives in the Sahel, particularly the Atlantic Initiative, which perfectly aligns with U.S. priorities concerning counterterrorism and regional integration. He pointed out that the timing and scope of Bourita’s meetings in Washington highlight the priority given by both governments to coordinating efforts in addressing common challenges in North Africa, the Sahel, and the Middle East.
In conclusion, the former congressman asserted that Nasser Bourita’s visit and the high-level commitments it included reflect a period of strengthened rapprochement between Washington and Rabat. These developments mirror a shared desire to cultivate an expanded strategic partnership, emphasizing diplomatic, security, and economic cooperation in the face of an increasingly complex and unstable region.
