Switzerland Recognizes Moroccan Autonomy as Viable Solution
On Friday, Switzerland officially acknowledged that Morocco's autonomy proposal represents "the most serious, credible, and pragmatic basis" for addressing the longstanding territorial dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This affirmation emerged from a joint statement following discussions between Ignacio Cassis, the Federal Councilor and Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, and Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, during Bourita's working visit to Bern.
The joint statement also highlighted Switzerland's endorsement of Security Council Resolution 2797, indicating that "genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute one of the most viable solutions" to the conflict. Furthermore, Switzerland reiterated its support for the United Nations' role and the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, enhancing its position amid a growing international consensus favoring the autonomy initiative.
During the discussions, Ignazio Cassis emphasized that "Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is a key partner for Switzerland on the southern shore of the Mediterranean and on the African continent." The two officials also expressed their satisfaction with the progress made on objectives outlined in the Joint Declaration signed in Bern in December 2021, reaffirmed during the Federal Councilor’s visit to Rabat in June 2023. They reviewed advancements in various sectors vital to both nations, including trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, judicial assistance, training, and social security.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Cooperation
Moreover, the ministers welcomed the forthcoming launch of a Swiss economic cooperation program in Morocco, slated for early 2025 and funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). As the two countries prepare to commemorate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, established since Morocco's independence in 1956, both Cassis and Bourita reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the bilateral partnership.
Under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is positioning itself as a strategic partner for Switzerland, particularly in regional stability, economic growth, and South-South cooperation. In their meeting in Bern, Morocco and Switzerland reiterated their resolve to enhance political dialogue and bilateral relations, celebrating the new positive momentum evident in their interactions, characterized by shared perspectives on mutual interests and increased meetings in both bilateral and multilateral settings.
Additionally, Bourita engaged with Beat Jans, Federal Councilor and Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police, focusing on the current state and future prospects of Morocco-Switzerland relations, particularly in migration. Jans praised the cooperative efforts between the two nations on migration issues, notably following the establishment of a migration dialogue in September 2023 through the Permanent Joint Migration Group, designed to facilitate comprehensive consultations on various migration dimensions.
The two ministers also agreed to collaboratively organize an event in 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rabat Process during Switzerland's presidency of this initiative, which was launched in Rabat in 2006.
As reported by atalayar.com.
