Japan has expressed strong support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative aimed at resolving the Moroccan Sahara file.
The statement was made on the sidelines of a meeting between the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yoko Kamikawa, and her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita on Friday 31 May.
First introduced by Morocco in 2007, the autonomy plan has gained widespread recognition as a solid basis for resolving the Moroccan Sahara file.
In a statement released on 31 May by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kamikawa reiterated Japan’s consistent stance on the issue.
She highlighted the Moroccan autonomy initiative as a credible and serious effort to resolve the Moroccan Sahara file, reflecting a longstanding and stable position of the Japanese government.
Bourita, currently on an official visit to Japan, welcomed the Japanese support. He emphasized the importance of such international endorsements in bolstering Morocco’s efforts to achieve a fair and lasting resolution to the conflict.
The Moroccan autonomy initiative proposes a framework for self-governance in the Moroccan Sahara region, aiming to address the aspirations of the local population while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty.
The Autonomy Plan has been central to Morocco’s diplomatic strategy and has received growing international support over the past decade.
Japan’s backing comes at a time when the prevailing diplomatic consensus appears to be that Morocco’s autonomy proposal is the most viable and realistic route to a lasting and politically feasible resolution of the Sahara file. During their meeting, Bourita and Kamikawa signed an agreement reaffirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation across different fields.
The bilateral partnership looks to enhance cooperation in the sectors of food, fisheries, and culture as well as scientific and technical research and climate action.
The agreement also covers the regular holding of joint commissions involving participants from all concerned sectors as well as meetings between representatives from Morocco and Japan.
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