Gulf Cooperation Council Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Sovereignty Over Western Sahara
Rabat – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has once again reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region, reaffirming its long-standing position during the latest session of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), being held in New York from June 9 to 20.
Representing the six GCC member states — Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar — the Kuwaiti delegate delivered a joint statement emphasizing the importance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and Morocco.
The statement highlighted the shared commitment to advancing the joint action plan and defending Morocco's unity, security, and territorial integrity.
In addition to reaffirming support for Morocco's position on the Sahara, the GCC countries welcomed the most recent resolution adopted by the UN Security Council concerning the region.
The bloc also praised the continued efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for the Sahara, encouraging all parties to resume dialogue under UN auspices with a spirit of seriousness, realism, and mutual respect.
Earlier this year, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al Budaiwi also expressed the Council's firm backing of Morocco's territorial integrity, particularly in the southern provinces of the Western Sahara. Speaking in March, Al Budaiwi described the issue as a matter of principle deeply rooted in the strong and strategic ties between Morocco and the Gulf states.
At the time, the GCC further reiterated its support for the UN-led political process seeking a realistic and mutually acceptable solution to the regional dispute.
In this context, the Council welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2756, adopted in October 2024, which extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission MINURSO until October 2025. The resolution also urged all concerned parties, including Algeria, to actively engage in the process.
Beyond its support for Morocco's sovereignty, the GCC commended the North African country's broader regional efforts. Notably, the Council endorsed Morocco's Atlantic Initiative — a strategic vision aimed at improving access for landlocked Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, thereby strengthening regional economic integration and cooperation. Tags: autonomy planGCCGulf Cooperation CouncilWestern sahara
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