Trump Reaffirms to King Mohammed VI U.S. Recognition of Morocco’s Sovereignty over Western Sahara, Backs Autonomy Plan as the Only Solution
ALDAR/
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and reiterated its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as “the only basis” for achieving a “just and lasting” resolution to the regional dispute.
The position was conveyed in a message sent by President Trump to His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of Morocco’s Throne Day, according to a statement issued by the Royal Cabinet.
In his message, President Trump extended his congratulations to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people, noting that this year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and “its enduring friendship with Morocco,” a relationship that, he said, “has been built on trust and mutual respect.”
Addressing the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, Trump stated: “The United States is clear: we recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, and we support Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic Autonomy Initiative as the only basis for achieving a just and lasting solution.”
He added that “any other approach would only prolong an unacceptable status quo,” stressing that “this conflict must end now,” and affirming that the United States “will continue to work toward achieving progress to that end.”
President Trump also praised King Mohammed VI’s leadership, describing it as “a pillar of stability.” He highlighted Morocco’s continued commitment to peace, countering extremism, and safeguarding the security of both Americans and Moroccans, including through its pivotal role in the Abraham Accords, which he described as reflecting “a partnership of great value to the United States.”
He further emphasized that Washington and Rabat would continue working together to strengthen security across the Sahel region.
On the economic front, Trump said that King Mohammed VI’s vision for growth “opens new opportunities for prosperity for our two peoples and our two economies.” He added that he had instructed his teams to deepen economic and social development cooperation with Morocco, including in the Western Sahara region.
The U.S. president also underscored that American technology and innovation would remain trusted partners for Morocco over the next 250 years across key strategic sectors, particularly energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and defense.
The presidential message concluded with a commitment to usher in “a new era” in U.S.-Morocco relations, placing “the interests of our two peoples first.”
