Morocco Secures Sahara Support from North Macedonia in Diplomatic Breakthrough

In a pivotal diplomatic meeting, North Macedonia formally supports Morocco’s Sahara Autonomy Plan and applauds King Mohammed VI’s visionary reforms, regional initiatives, and Africa-focused Atlantic strategy.

Rabat, Morocco – July 21, 2025
In a powerful reaffirmation of evolving geopolitical alliances, Morocco and North Macedonia today sealed a pivotal chapter in bilateral diplomacy. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his North Macedonian counterpart, Timco Mucunski, met in Rabat to announce a series of strategic agreements that fortify political, economic, and regional cooperation between the two nations.

At the heart of the talks was a clear, unambiguous stance by North Macedonia in favor of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. Skopje officially recognized the 2007 Moroccan Autonomy Plan as “the unique basis for resolving the dispute,” reinforcing Morocco’s standing on the international stage.

“We view Morocco’s proposal as credible and serious,” stated Minister Mucunski during the joint press conference. “We applaud the kingdom’s consistent efforts to reach a lasting and peaceful political solution.”

This endorsement aligns North Macedonia with a growing coalition of nations—including the United States, Germany, and Spain—that support Morocco’s autonomy initiative over the disputed territory.

Applauding Moroccan Leadership and Reforms

Minister Mucunski commended Morocco’s internal reforms under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, citing the country’s New Development Model and promotion of advanced regionalization as “exemplary initiatives that foster sustainable governance and inclusive growth.”

“These reforms reflect a visionary leadership committed to modernization, equity, and economic dynamism,” he added.

Support for Morocco’s Atlantic Vision for Africa

Beyond bilateral issues, North Macedonia also endorsed Morocco’s transformative Atlantic initiatives aimed at reshaping regional connectivity and trade across West and Central Africa:

• The Initiative for the Atlantic African States Process, aimed at creating a continental Atlantic economic corridor.
• The Royal International Initiative to Enable Sahel Access to the Atlantic, which envisions maritime inclusion for landlocked African nations.
• The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, a monumental infrastructure project set to energize over a dozen African economies while enhancing European energy diversification.

“Morocco’s Atlantic diplomacy has the potential to redefine Africa’s place in the global economy,” said Mucunski. “We strongly support these forward-thinking efforts.”

A Pillar of Stability in the Region

The two diplomats also emphasized Morocco’s role as a “pole of regional stability,” especially in an era marked by global insecurity and shifting alliances. North Macedonia recognized the kingdom’s constructive contributions to security, counterterrorism, and interfaith dialogue in Africa and the broader Mediterranean region.

Strategic Implications

This meeting signals a broader diplomatic momentum for Morocco in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, where Rabat has recently enhanced relations with countries such as Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Analysts suggest that North Macedonia’s support may catalyze further endorsements from the Balkans and beyond.

“It’s not just about symbolic recognition—it’s about strategic alignment,” said political analyst Leïla Hamdani of the Moroccan Institute for International Studies. “This partnership opens doors in NATO, the EU, and African diplomacy alike.”