Richard Duke Buchan III, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, affirmed that the United States recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, stressing that Rabat’s autonomy initiative is the only serious, credible, and realistic solution to end the conflict.
This came during the official session held by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, to consider his nomination. In his opening remarks, Buchan pledged that, if confirmed, he would work to encourage the concerned parties to enter negotiations without delay, considering Morocco’s autonomy initiative the only negotiable framework to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Buchan pointed out that this position is the same one expressed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed on April 8 the United States’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces and support for the autonomy plan as the only path toward a lasting resolution.
In his remarks, Buchan praised the “historic alliance” between Washington and Rabat, describing Morocco as a “model economic partner,” and highlighting the strong trade relations between the two countries, with a clear surplus in favor of the United States. He noted that his professional career “has been built on the pursuit of opportunities,” and said that if confirmed, he would work to expand opportunities for American businesses in Morocco, particularly in the fields of technology, transportation, agriculture, and energy.
Ambassador-designate Buchan also noted in his opening statement that he has visited Morocco over the course of more than 40 years, describing it as “a beautiful and strategic country,” adding, “My family and I look forward to deepening our relationship with this country, as we have done in the past in Spain.”
He also addressed Moroccan-Israeli relations, emphasizing that Rabat has played a key role in maintaining communication channels with Jerusalem and describing Morocco as “a strong voice for a clear path forward in Gaza.” He affirmed that if confirmed, he would work to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords with Morocco.
It is worth noting that King Mohammed VI reaffirmed on Tuesday evening, in his speech marking the 26th anniversary of Throne Day, Morocco’s unwavering commitment to the autonomy initiative as the "only" solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, praising the growing international support for this initiative.
In his speech, the King stated that “the autonomy initiative represents the only solution to the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara,” emphasizing that it is a realistic and credible proposal that falls within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Monarch expressed pride in the international stances supporting this option, particularly commending the “constructive” positions of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Portugal for their clear support of the Moroccan initiative.
The King stressed that these positions are part of the growing momentum of support the Moroccan Sahara issue is witnessing, both at the European and international levels, reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to engaging seriously in the UN-led political process.
King Mohammed VI added that while Morocco is proud of the increasing international support, it remains committed to reaching a “consensual solution with no winner or loser that preserves the dignity of all parties involved.”
