Historic Joint Declaration: Portugal Supports Morocco’s Sovereignty over the Sahara

ALDAR / Zakaria El Jabri

The Republic of Portugal has affirmed its full support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative in the Sahara, declaring that this proposal represents the only serious and realistic solution to end the conflict. This affirmation came in a joint statement following the official visit of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Lisbon, where Portugal emphasized that the Moroccan initiative constitutes a “serious and credible basis” for resolving the dispute — marking a shift in its stance and reflecting broader European changes regarding the Sahara issue.

Portugal’s announcement comes amid growing international support for Morocco’s initiative from major powers such as the United States, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This rising support signals a qualitative transformation in diplomatic dynamics, placing Morocco’s proposal at the center of global recognition and bolstering the Kingdom’s position against the separatist narrative promoted by Algeria. In contrast, Algeria’s traditional stance remains limited to mere “acknowledgment,” reflecting a diplomatic inability to counter the mounting international momentum.

Portugal, which has long maintained close ties with Morocco, not only expressed support for the Moroccan initiative but also emphasized the need to deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as security, renewable energy, and electrical interconnection. This growing partnership marks an additional step in reinforcing Morocco’s role as a key regional player, especially amid ongoing security and economic challenges in North Africa.

It is evident that with such increasing support, Morocco is not only reinforcing its sovereignty over its Sahara but also building a broad network of strategic partnerships that enhance its international standing. Meanwhile, the Algerian regime continues to cling to outdated positions, struggling to keep pace with shifting global diplomatic trends. In this context, Portugal’s position is more than diplomatic endorsement — it reflects a new political reality where Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara is widely acknowledged internationally.

These developments indicate that the Sahara issue is no longer a mere regional conflict, but part of a broader international strategic equation, where the support of major powers increasingly favors the Moroccan solution. Algeria now finds itself in a difficult position, faced with a political and diplomatic reality that has far outgrown its traditional discourse.