Rabat Hosts Key Conference to Strengthen Parliamentary Diplomacy on Western Sahara
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s House of Councillors launched a landmark conference today in Rabat focused on enhancing the role of parliamentary diplomacy in supporting the country’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, under the theme “Parliament and the Moroccan Sahara Issue: For Efficient Parallel Diplomacy and Effective Institutional Advocacy.”
The conference comes as Morocco continues to gain ground on the international stage for its Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, which it proposes as a realistic, serious, and credible solution to the decades-old territorial dispute.
Bolstering Diplomatic Momentum
Opening remarks from Morocco’s political parties set the tone for a gathering designed to harness parliamentary influence as a strategic tool in advancing Morocco’s territorial claims. Speakers emphasized the importance of institutional coordination, civic engagement, and scholarly input in strengthening national unity and countering opposing narratives.
The two-session format of the conference reflects this multidimensional approach. The first session focuses on recent geopolitical developments and explores potential diplomatic paths to a final resolution of the conflict. The second examines the human rights and development aspects of the Moroccan Sahara, highlighting progress on the ground in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and regional governance.
Workshops, expert hearings, and presentations of academic research are woven throughout the day’s agenda, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the topic.
Toward a Unified National Narrative
A closing report will consolidate the contributions of politicians, academics, civil society actors, and regional experts. Organizers say this document will offer a roadmap for action, aiming to transform dialogue into measurable steps that enhance Morocco’s position in international fora.
“Parliament must be more than a legislative body — it must be an active defender of Morocco’s territorial integrity,” said one speaker from the opening session, reflecting the overarching goal of institutionalizing Morocco’s diplomatic momentum within both domestic and international frameworks.
Growing Global Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan
The conference comes amid continued international endorsements of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan. Most recently, Croatia and Hungary reaffirmed their backing, with Croatia calling the initiative a “good basis” for resolving the dispute, and Hungary labeling it “serious and credible.”
In April, the United States reiterated its support during a meeting between U.S. Under Secretary of State Lisa Kenna and UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura. Longstanding allies like France and Spain also continue to support the Moroccan initiative, adding further weight to Morocco’s diplomatic positioning.
These developments reflect Morocco’s growing success in shifting the international consensus toward its vision of a stable, integrated, and developed Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty.
As today’s conference demonstrates, Rabat is determined to ensure that every level of governance — from diplomats to lawmakers — plays a role in consolidating this momentum.
Looking Ahead
With strong domestic backing and a widening circle of international allies, Morocco is positioning itself not only as a defender of its territorial integrity but as a regional model for peaceful resolution and sustainable development.
The House of Councillors’ conference marks a strategic move in formalizing this approach, blending political advocacy with legal, academic, and civic engagement to support what Morocco sees as a just and lasting solution.
