Oman reaffirms support to Morocco on Western Sahara issue

The statement came during the sixth session of the Joint Committee between the two countries, co-chaired by the foreign ministers, which took place in Rabat. Omani Minister Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood al-Busaidi expressed Oman's appreciation for Morocco's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, especially its initiative to grant autonomy to the people of Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.

Moroccan Minister Nasser Bourita said during the meeting, "We salute the eminent role of the Sultanate in maintaining peace and security in accordance with a clear vision based on dialogue, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, respect for their territorial unity and good neighborliness," thus supporting the role of the Omani Sultanate in efforts to maintain regional dialogue and security.

In addition to strengthening the ties of friendship and solidarity between the two nations, this meeting has served to seal several agreements that will boost investment and bilateral cooperation in various areas of common interest. These include the maritime, port and railway sectors, which are strategic for economic development and regional connectivity. Agreements have also been signed in the areas of diplomacy and consumer protection, which seek to promote political dialogue and the welfare of citizens.

Oman is one of the Arab countries that have consistently supported Morocco's position on the Western Sahara issue, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, among others.

Morocco has also received the support of several African, European and American countries, as well as international organizations, following its decision to resume diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for the United States recognizing its sovereignty over Western Sahara in December 2020.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting between the monarchs of Morocco and Oman, the Omani sultanate expressed its strong support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara, as well as Morocco's initiative to grant broad autonomy to the Saharawi population under Moroccan sovereignty. The Omani sultanate praised Morocco's leadership and commitment to the search for a political, realistic and lasting solution to the regional conflict.  

The representatives of the two countries also reaffirmed their willingness to strengthen their bilateral relations in all areas, based on friendship, trust and mutual cooperation. They also stressed their joint support for international efforts to promote peace, development and cooperation in the region and the world, as well as to address common challenges that threaten regional and international security and stability.

During the meeting, the two diplomats agreed on the importance of strengthening collective Arab cooperation as an essential instrument for preserving the unity and sovereignty of Arab countries and enhancing their security and stability in the face of the threats and challenges they face. They also stressed the need to coordinate their positions and actions in regional and international forums in order to defend common interests.