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Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bernard Quintin, said i Rabat Wednesday that “Belgium deems the Autonomy Initiative, presented by Morocco in 2007, to be a serious and credible effort by te Kingdom and a very good basis for a solution accepted by all parties” to the Sahaaissue.
The Belgian offcal mae the remarks during a press briefing following talks with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.
Talks with Bourita “helped me understand the ins and outs of the autonomy plan and realize the existential nature of this issue for Morocco”, the Belgian minister underlined, adding that “we know how important of an issue this is for Morocco.”
“Some prominent European and international partners have changed their position”, he said, noting that Morocco and Belgium “will continue to engage constructively on this subject.”
Belgium “fully supports the UN process for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution” and “recalls the UN’s exclusive role in the political process,” Quintin said.
He also reiterated Belgium’s backing for “UN Security Council Resolution 2703, which underscores the role and responsibility of the parties in seeking a realistic, pragmatic, and enduring political solution based on compromise.”
Belgium’s constructive stance aligns with the international momentum driven by King Mohammed VI, in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and the Autonomy Plan.
In a Joint Statement issued following the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers, Belgium also praised the Royal Initiative aimed at enabling Atlantic access for Sahel countries, as well as the Process of the Atlantic African States.
“Belgium has commended the efforts made by Morocco through various initiatives launched under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI to promote peace, stability, and socio-economic development in Africa, particularly the Royal Initiative to enable Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Process of the Atlantic African States,” stated the Joint Statement.
Belgium also praised Morocco’s role as a vital and reliable partner and as a key player in strengthening regional stability and cooperation, the Joint Statement added.
In his press briefing, the Belgian official described relations between Belgium and Morocco as “the most exhaustive and diversified in the region.”