The Netherlands reaffirmed on Friday that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most feasible solution” to end the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, marking a significant step in the growing international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative championed by King Mohammed VI.
This position was formalized in a Joint Statement issued following talks in The Hague between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Asylum and Migration, David Van Weel.
The statement emphasized that the Dutch government welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and fully supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate negotiations based on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, with the objective of reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in line with Security Council resolutions.
Beyond the Sahara issue, the two countries praised the “unprecedented momentum” in their bilateral relations and agreed to elevate their cooperation to the level of a Strategic Partnership. According to the Joint Statement, this upgraded framework reflects the “exceptional quality and depth” of Moroccan–Dutch relations, built on mutual confidence, shared values, and reciprocal support for the strategic interests of both nations.
Bourita and Van Weel highlighted the regular political dialogue between Rabat and The Hague, the sustained pace of high-level visits, and the successful implementation of the 2022 Roadmap and the 2021 Action Plan, which is scheduled for renewal in 2026.
The two sides reaffirmed their determination to intensify cooperation across key sectors, including the economy, agriculture, security, migration, culture and scientific research. They also expressed a shared ambition to strengthen economic ties in high-potential fields such as trade and investment, renewable energy, green hydrogen, water management, infrastructure and agriculture.
The Netherlands further reiterated its interest in deepening collaboration with Morocco ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
