U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reaffirmed on Wednesday that the United States continues to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, describing the position as part of a “strategic policy,” upon his arrival in Rabat from Algeria, hours after discussing the issue with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Landau, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said that “the United States’ position on the Moroccan Sahara, following the historic call between King Mohammed VI and President Donald Trump on December 10, 2020, marked an important milestone in bilateral relations.”
He added that “based on this position, the United States is supporting a process that we hope will lead to a final resolution of the Moroccan Sahara issue within the framework of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.”
Bourita noted that discussions with the U.S. official also covered “regional and international issues, including developments in the Middle East and multilateral matters,” stressing that “views are highly aligned,” reflecting an advanced level of political and diplomatic coordination between Rabat and Washington.
For his part, Landau reiterated Washington’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, emphasizing that this stance reflects continuity in U.S. strategic policy and demonstrates clarity in its approach to resolving the dispute.
The U.S. official also praised Morocco’s stability, describing it as a key factor in reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a reliable partner in a region marked by rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics.
He further highlighted the depth of the Morocco–U.S. partnership, calling it “strong and multidimensional,” spanning security and military cooperation as well as economic and investment ties.
Landau affirmed that the United States, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, continues to support a political process aimed at reaching a realistic, peaceful, and lasting solution to the conflict.
He stressed that Washington’s approach is based on the conviction that the dispute “cannot continue indefinitely,” underscoring the need to advance toward a final settlement within the UN-led process.
