Albania Expresses Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Albania has formally declared its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative for Western Sahara, describing it as “a serious and credible foundation for the resolution of this regional dispute.”
This position was articulated in a joint statement signed on Saturday in Rabat by Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.
“Albania recognizes the importance of the Western Sahara issue for Morocco as well as the serious and credible efforts of Morocco within the framework of the United Nations to find a mutually acceptable solution,” the statement read. Hasani’s official visit to Morocco underscored the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Albania’s endorsement of Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan adds to the growing international support for the initiative, which seeks to grant significant self-governance to the region while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty. The statement also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to the UN-led political process and expressed support for the efforts of Staffan De Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, to achieve a peaceful resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, notably Resolution 2756 (2024).
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
Albania’s position follows a diplomatic evolution that began in 2004 when Tirana severed relations with the separatist Polisario Front’s self-proclaimed “SADR,” reversing a 1987 recognition made during Albania’s communist era. This shift was further solidified in 2015 when Albania formally backed Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Beyond the Western Sahara dispute, the ministerial talks covered various areas of bilateral cooperation and regional concerns. Albania expressed strong interest in Morocco’s Atlantic initiatives, particularly King Mohammed VI’s November 6, 2023 initiative aimed at facilitating access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries.
The joint statement highlighted Albania’s recognition of Morocco’s role as a “regional pole of stability and a relay for growth and development in Africa.” In return, Morocco acknowledged the positive transformations in the Western Balkans region and their contribution to peace and stability.
In a move aimed at fostering tourism and people-to-people exchanges, Morocco announced the lifting of visa requirements for Albanian citizens traveling for short stays. Both nations reiterated their commitment to maintaining and strengthening peace, stability, and security globally and in their respective regions while upholding the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Commitment to Shared Growth and Development
During the discussions, Hasani praised the “far-reaching reforms undertaken over the past two decades under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI” and welcomed Morocco’s New Development Model as a strategic approach to national progress. In turn, Bourita expressed Morocco’s support for Albania’s efforts to join the European Union and acknowledged the comprehensive transformative reforms undertaken by the Albanian government toward future EU membership.
The meeting concluded with both ministers pledging to enhance consultation and coordination within international organizations. They also committed to strengthening economic, trade, and cultural cooperation, further solidifying the diplomatic and economic partnership between Albania and Morocco.
