North Macedonia Supports Morocco’s Autonomy Plan and Affirms the Kingdom’s Role as a Key Regional Partner for Stability

By: Meryem Hafiani / Aldar

The Republic of North Macedonia affirmed, during the official visit of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Skopje, that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 constitutes the only serious and credible basis for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

This clear position, expressed in a joint statement following talks between Bourita and his Macedonian counterpart, Timčo Mucunski, is part of the growing momentum surrounding the Sahara issue. It reflects North Macedonia’s alignment with countries that view the Moroccan initiative as a realistic and credible framework to end the artificial conflict, under the auspices of the United Nations.

In this regard, Mucunski reiterated his country’s longstanding support for the UN-led political process aimed at achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution. He also emphasized North Macedonia’s commitment to supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and backing Security Council Resolution 2756, adopted in October 2024, which calls for a realistic, practical, and sustainable solution.

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European Momentum Supporting Morocco’s Territorial Integrity

Minister Bourita’s visit to Skopje is part of the broader European tour he conducted in April, which included several European capitals and resulted in strong support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative and renewed affirmation of Morocco’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

However, the Skopje visit also marks a new dimension, highlighting Morocco’s outreach to the Western Balkans and the expansion of support in new geopolitical spheres.

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Praise for Morocco’s Reforms and Royal Initiatives

North Macedonia’s position was not limited to the Sahara issue. Skopje also expressed clear appreciation for the deep reforms undertaken by Morocco under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, particularly those related to governance, sustainable development, and regional integration.

The Macedonian side further expressed its admiration for the pioneering royal initiatives, especially the Atlantic Initiative launched by the King, which aims to strengthen South-South cooperation and to position Morocco as a strategic player in the stability of Africa, the Euro-Mediterranean region, and the Atlantic space.

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Toward Strengthening Bilateral Partnership

At the conclusion of the visit, both countries reaffirmed their determination to enhance bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres, in a spirit of mutual respect and shared interests. This commitment paves the way for new prospects in deepening Moroccan-Macedonian collaboration.

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Growing International Support for the Moroccan Initiative

The recent positions of European and Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, clearly reflect a shift in international attitudes toward the Moroccan autonomy initiative. Increasingly, it is seen within regional and international organizations as the only realistic and applicable solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.

This visit confirms that Morocco’s diplomatic momentum, led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is bearing fruit, as international support for Morocco’s sovereignty and the autonomy plan continues to grow across the globe.