The Netherlands has reiterated its strong support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, describing it as “the most feasible solution” to finally resolving the Sahara dispute.

The position was formalised in a Joint Declaration issued following talks on Friday in The Hague between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Asylum and Migration, David Van Weel.

According to the declaration, the Netherlands believes that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most realistic and credible path” to achieving a definitive settlement to the regional issue.

The reaffirmation comes amid growing international momentum — driven by the diplomatic efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI — in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern Provinces and its Autonomy Plan as the framework for a political solution.

The document also notes that the Netherlands welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, and expresses full backing for the continued efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to advance negotiations based on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative. The goal, it stresses, is a just, lasting and mutually acceptable outcome, consistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.