Switzerland: Autonomy Plan is ‘Most Serious, Credible’ Solution to Sahara Dispute

Rabat – Switzerland said on Friday that it considers Morocco’s autonomy plan “the most serious, credible, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the regional dispute over Western Sahara.

The statement came in a joint declaration adopted in Bern following talks between Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, who is on a working visit to Switzerland.

Switzerland also welcomed the recent United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which renewed the mandate of the UN mission in Western Sahara and reiterated support for a political solution based on realism and compromise. 

“Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent one of the most viable solutions” to the dispute, stressed the Swiss statement.

The Moroccan initiative has gained increasing international backing in recent years, with several countries describing it as a realistic and pragmatic solution. The UN, for its part, continues to lead efforts to reach a political settlement, with Switzerland reaffirming its support for the organization’s central role and for the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.

Swiss support for the autonomy initiative reflects growing international momentum driven by Morocco’s diplomatic efforts. This strengthens the credibility of the autonomy plan as the basis for a final resolution.

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Beyond the Western Sahara issue, the two countries expressed their determination to further strengthen political dialogue and bilateral cooperation. Both sides noted a “positive and promising” dynamic in relations, including closer alignment on issues of common interest and more frequent meetings at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

During the visit, Bourita also held talks with Swiss Justice and Police Minister Beat Jans, with a focus on migration and broader cooperation. The two sides commended their strong collaboration in migration management, supported by a joint migration dialogue launched in September 2023. This mechanism aims to deepen consultation on various aspects of migration between the two countries.

The ministers further agreed to co-organize an event in 2026, during Switzerland’s presidency of the Rabat Process, to mark the 20th anniversary of the initiative launched in Morocco in 2006.

Swiss officials further described Morocco as a key partner in North Africa and across the African continent, citing cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, judicial matters, training, and social security.

As Morocco and Switzerland approach 70 years of diplomatic relations, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding their partnership, with a focus on economic cooperation and regional stability.

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