Portugal Joins List of Autonomy Plan Supporters, Delivering a Strong Diplomatic Blow to Algeria on the Moroccan Sahara Issue
ALDAR / Iman Alaoui
The Republic of Portugal has announced its full and explicit support for the autonomy initiative proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco as a final solution to the Sahara issue. This Portuguese backing was formalized in a joint statement following the official visit of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Lisbon. Portugal affirmed that the Moroccan initiative represents “the most serious, credible, and realistic basis” for resolving this artificial regional conflict, aligning with the UN framework and reflecting a growing European awareness of the legitimacy of Morocco’s position.
Portugal’s stance is not isolated; it follows a series of international endorsements of the autonomy plan from major powers such as the United States, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In contrast, Algeria’s typical response of merely “taking note” increasingly appears as repeated diplomatic helplessness. While Morocco continues to strengthen its strategic partnerships and expand international support, the Algerian regime remains confined to bland statements that fail to alter the accelerating momentum toward the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara as a regional political and diplomatic reality.
Bourita’s visit to Lisbon was not only about reaffirming support for Morocco’s initiative but also marked by mutual praise of the strong bilateral relationship and a shared commitment to enhancing economic, security, and energy cooperation—particularly in renewable energy, electrical interconnection, and major regional projects such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline. This Moroccan-Portuguese harmony reflects Morocco’s growing status as a reliable regional and international partner, and once again confirms that the Kingdom’s approach to the Sahara issue has become a realistic and visionary reference in the eyes of the international community.
In conclusion, Portugal’s stance represents a new diplomatic blow to Algeria, which clings to an outdated narrative, while Morocco steadily advances toward consolidating its territorial integrity and reinforcing its role as a central player in regional security, development, and stability.
