North Macedonia Joins the Growing International Support for Morocco: Clear Backing for the Autonomy Initiative and Confirmation of Strategic Partnership

ALDAR / Iman Alaoui

During an official visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, to the capital Skopje, the Republic of North Macedonia expressed its clear support for the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco in 2007, considering it the serious and sole basis capable of achieving a realistic and final resolution to this regional dispute.

This position was outlined in a joint statement issued following bilateral talks, in which North Macedonia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco. This stance reflects the growing momentum of support among European and Balkan nations regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue.

A Natural Continuation of a Successful European Tour

Minister Bourita’s visit to Skopje comes within the framework of Morocco’s active diplomatic agenda in recent months. This stop is a continuation of the momentum generated during his European tour last April, which included several European capitals and resulted in repeated affirmations of support for the autonomy plan as a realistic and credible political solution under Moroccan sovereignty.

The shift in North Macedonia’s position demonstrates how the influence of the European tour has begun to extend into the Balkans, as part of a broader Moroccan strategy to diversify partnerships and strengthen its role as a central player in its regional and international environment.

Praise for Major Reforms and the Royal Vision

During the visit, North Macedonia did not hide its admiration for the deep reform process led by King Mohammed VI, commending the progress achieved across political, economic, and social levels. It also expressed particular interest in recent royal initiatives, especially the Atlantic Initiative aimed at enhancing African cooperation in the fields of food security and access to the sea.

A Shared Will to Strengthen Partnership

Bilateral discussions between Minister Bourita and his Macedonian counterpart also reaffirmed both countries’ determination to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including economy, education, security, and tourism. Rabat and Skopje appear to share a unified vision on several international challenges, paving the way for the signing of significant agreements in the near future.

Morocco, a Partner in Regional Stability

Minister Bourita emphasized that the Kingdom of Morocco, under the wise leadership of His Majesty the King, plays a central role in promoting stability and development in North Africa and the Sahel region. He added that Morocco serves as a strategic gateway linking Africa to Europe, which opens wide prospects for trilateral cooperation with North Macedonia towards the African continent.

Expanding International Support

North Macedonia’s inclusion among the countries supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan further confirms that the Moroccan approach to resolving the regional dispute over the Sahara is gaining increasing international consensus. Several European countries had already expressed similar positions during last April’s tour, stressing that a realistic and practical solution must be based on Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Amid this geographical expansion of international support, Morocco continues to solidify its political and diplomatic presence, relying on clear legitimacy and constructive initiatives that enhance stability and security within its geopolitical sphere.