Finland Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, Signaling Growing International Support
Helsinki, Finland - In a significant diplomatic development, Finland has expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, recognizing it as a “serious and credible” basis for resolving the long-standing dispute. This announcement, a first from a Nordic country, underscores the growing international momentum behind Morocco’s proposal.
The announcement came during a joint press conference held in Helsinki by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto. Bourita praised Finland’s new stance, emphasizing its alignment with the “international dynamic” spearheaded by King Mohammed VI of Morocco to find a lasting solution for the Sahara issue.
“We commend Finland’s new position, the first of its kind in the region, which falls within the framework of the international dynamic aimed at finding a solution to this regional issue,” Bourita stated. He expressed hope that this momentum would pave the way for a definitive resolution to the conflict.
Echoing these sentiments, Haavisto reiterated Finland’s position as outlined in a joint statement issued following the bilateral talks. The statement underscores Finland’s view that the autonomy plan, presented by Morocco in 2007, represents a “serious and credible contribution to the United Nations-led political process and a good basis for a mutually acceptable solution.”
Haavisto highlighted that the discussions provided a valuable platform to address the Sahara issue and emphasized the “importance of finding a mutually acceptable solution under the auspices of the United Nations.”
The joint statement further reaffirmed Finland’s support for the “political process aimed at achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.” Both ministers underscored their shared belief in the exclusive role of the United Nations in this process, reiterating their commitment to upholding UN Security Council resolutions and expressing support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy in advancing the political process.
This development comes at a crucial juncture for the Western Sahara issue, with an increasing number of countries recognizing the autonomy plan as the most realistic and pragmatic path towards a lasting and peaceful resolution. The international community’s growing support for Morocco’s initiative reflects a shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the region.
