Hungary Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
Hungary has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the Western Sahara region, calling it the “most credible basis” for resolving the long-standing dispute. This significant development underscores growing international support for Morocco’s proposal and adds momentum to the UN-led political process.
This announcement came during a meeting in Rabat between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjártó, culminating in a joint statement released on November 28, 2024. The statement reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to the UN-led political process and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to achieve a resolution in accordance with Security Council resolutions. This echoes the increasing international recognition of the autonomy plan as a serious and credible pathway to peace and stability in the region. Several countries, including the United States, Germany, Spain, and now Hungary, have expressed their support for the Moroccan initiative. This shift in the international landscape reflects a growing understanding of the complexities on the ground and a desire for a pragmatic solution.
The Moroccan autonomy plan, presented in 2007, proposes a framework for self-governance within the Kingdom of Morocco, offering a compromise that addresses the needs of the local population while preserving Morocco’s sovereignty. It envisions a locally elected regional government with legislative and executive powers, responsible for managing the region’s affairs within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. This approach aims to balance the aspirations of the Sahrawi people with the territorial integrity of Morocco.
This endorsement from Hungary further strengthens the diplomatic ties between the two countries. It builds upon existing collaborations and opens doors for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Hungary’s recognition of the autonomy plan not only reinforces Morocco’s position but also contributes to the broader international effort to find a lasting and peaceful solution to the Western Sahara issue. This move aligns with the increasing number of countries that see the autonomy plan as the most realistic and viable option for resolving the conflict and promoting regional stability.
The Western Sahara dispute, a complex and protracted conflict, has been a source of tension in North Africa for decades. The UN has been actively involved in seeking a resolution, with the Security Council regularly adopting resolutions calling for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution. The Moroccan autonomy initiative has gained traction as a pragmatic and realistic approach, offering a potential pathway to end the stalemate and bring about a peaceful and prosperous future for the region. The continued support from countries like Hungary reinforces the momentum towards a final resolution and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex geopolitical challenges. As more nations endorse the autonomy plan, the prospects for a peaceful and sustainable future for the Western Sahara region grow stronger.تي جرت بين رئيس وزراء هنغاريا ورئيس حكومة المملكة المغربية في أبريل 2024 بمراكش ».
ويندرج هذا اللقاء بين الوزيرين في إطار تعزيز التعاون بين البلدين في عدد من المجالات، كما يجسد ذلك انعقاد اللجنة الاقتصادية المشتركة الخامسة في 30 أكتوبر 2024 بالرباط، والتي « تمثل خطوة أساسية في تعزيز العلاقات الثنائية وتمهد الطريق أمام آفاق جديدة للشراكة الاقتصادية ».
وتحقيقا لهذه الغاية، اتفق الوزيران على تعزيز التعاون في جميع المجالات، وحددا عددا من القطاعات الرئيسية ذات الأهمية الخاصة، على غرار الاقتصاد والفلاحة والصناعات الغذائية والطاقات المتجددة وصناعة السيارات والثقافة والتعليم والبحث والابتكار والرياضة والسياحة.
كما رحب الجانبان بالتعاون بين البلدين في مجال البحث العلمي والابتكار، بالإضافة إلى برنامج تنقل الطلبة.
يذكر أن الوزيرين قاما أيضا، عقب هذا اللقاء، بالتوقيع على مذكرة تفاهم في مجال الصحة.
