Czech Republic Endorses Morocco’s Western Sahara Autonomy Plan, Elevates Bilateral Ties to Strategic Level
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The Czech Republic has affirmed that granting autonomy to Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty represents the most practical solution to the longstanding dispute, signaling that it will align its diplomatic and economic policies with this position.
The announcement came during the first official visit to Morocco by Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, who held talks with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.
Following their meeting, the two sides signed a joint declaration outlining measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote development in Morocco’s southern provinces, including Western Sahara. As part of these efforts, the Czech ambassador to Morocco is expected to visit the southern provinces to facilitate economic engagement and support joint business initiatives. The Czech Embassy in Rabat will also expand its consular services to include the region, underscoring its treatment as an integral part of Morocco.
In its declaration, Prague endorsed the relevant framework of the United Nations Security Council, including Resolution 2797, and reiterated support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as a credible and realistic basis for a lasting political settlement. Both sides also reaffirmed backing for the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in advancing efforts toward a negotiated resolution.
Strategic Partnership Gains Momentum
The two ministers highlighted what they described as “unprecedented” momentum in bilateral relations, noting that ties between Morocco and the Czech Republic have reached a level of strategic importance across multiple sectors.
They agreed to establish a structured strategic partnership, supported by sustained high-level political dialogue and cooperation in key areas such as security, defense, trade, energy, migration, culture, and tourism. Both sides also emphasized continued high-level visits and economic missions to further deepen engagement.
The ministers recalled the significant progress achieved since the 2023 Prague Joint Declaration and agreed to expand cooperation in high-value sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, science and innovation, water management, automotive industry, smart cities, aerospace, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and railway development.
A newly established Joint Economic Cooperation Commission will convene its inaugural meeting in Prague later this year to operationalize these initiatives.
On security, both sides welcomed advancements in military cooperation, noting that the defense agreement signed in October 2024—once ratified—will unlock new opportunities in defense industry collaboration, training, joint exercises, and technical cooperation.
The Czech Republic also commended Morocco’s role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, highlighting the event’s potential to drive economic growth and create new business opportunities.
Both countries further emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and academic exchanges, promoting people-to-people ties, and enhancing mutual visibility through public diplomacy initiatives, including Morocco’s planned participation as a guest country at the 2027 Brno International Fair.
