The Netherlands has affirmed that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most feasible solution to definitely put an end to the regional dispute” over Western Sahara.

The position was outlined in a Joint Statement issued after a meeting between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Asylum and Migration, David Van Weel, on Friday in The Hague.

The statement welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and expressed full support for the UN Secretary-General's and his Personal Envoy's efforts to facilitate negotiations based on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative.

According to the Joint Statement, the goal of these negotiations is to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution, in line with the recommendations of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The Netherlands’ endorsement underscores international momentum in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and the Autonomy Plan promoted by King Mohammed VI.