The Republic of Zambia on Thursday reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Western Sahara, while also backing Rabat’s autonomy initiative as the only credible basis for resolving the regional dispute.
The position was expressed in a joint communiqué issued following talks in Rabat between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, who is currently on a working visit to the Kingdom.
Zambia welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council on October 31, 2025, of Resolution 2797, which endorses the Moroccan autonomy proposal under Moroccan sovereignty as “the only serious, credible, and lasting basis” for reaching a political solution to the Sahara dispute.
Haimbe reiterated his country’s support for the United Nations-led political process and described Morocco’s autonomy initiative as “the only credible, serious, and realistic solution” to the issue.
The Zambian minister also stressed that the Moroccan proposal provides a “pragmatic and constructive basis” capable of leading to a lasting and mutually acceptable political settlement.
For his part, Bourita welcomed the positive momentum in relations between the two countries, highlighting the opening in October 2020 of the Zambian embassy in Rabat and its consulate general in Laayoune as an important step in strengthening bilateral ties.
The two ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple strategic sectors in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
During the talks, Morocco and Zambia underlined their determination to elevate bilateral relations to a new level of ambition and mutual benefit amid growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two African nations.
The ministers identified several sectors with strong potential for future partnership projects, including energy, mining, sustainable development, education, scientific research, innovation, health, and social protection.
These areas are expected to form the basis of discussions at the next session of the Morocco-Zambia Joint Commission.
Haimbe also praised the strategic initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI in support of African regional integration and development.
In particular, the Zambian minister highlighted the importance of the Initiative of Atlantic African States and the Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the joint communiqué, Zambia considers these initiatives important mechanisms for strengthening regional integration, improving connectivity among African countries, and boosting economic opportunities across the continent.
The two ministers further commended the momentum of South-South cooperation led by Morocco, describing it as a key driver for enhancing African solidarity and promoting shared and sustainable development.
Morocco and Zambia also expressed their commitment to strengthening coordination within regional and international organizations in order to reinforce African cooperation frameworks and maximize their impact in serving the continent’s interests.
The latest talks in Rabat reflect Morocco’s expanding diplomatic outreach across Africa, particularly among countries backing the Kingdom’s autonomy plan and broader regional integration initiatives.
