Finland recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara

Finland has officially recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara and endorsed its Autonomy Plan, becoming the first Nordic country to do so. This development was announced in a joint statement following a meeting in Helsinki between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen yesterday.

“Finland considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties,” explained the statement.

🇲🇦- 🇫🇮| MFA Nasser Bourita held talks, today in Helsinki, with his counterpart from the Republic of Finland, Ms. Elina Valtonen. Following their bilateral meeting, the two Ministers proceeded to the adoption of a joint communiqué.@Ulkoministerio @MoroccoInFIN pic.twitter.com/xTFQaZoSNf

— Moroccan Diplomacy 🇲🇦 (@Marocdiplo_EN) August 6, 2024

Both ministers reaffirmed their support for the UN’s exclusive role in the political process and backed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to advance this process.

Helsinki’s endorsement aligns with growing international support for Morocco’s controversial Autonomy Plan, which has been rejected by neighbouring Algeria. This position marks a significant step in the Nordic country’s foreign policy, reinforcing the momentum within the EU.

The announcement follows closely after France’s decision to recognise Rabat’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. In response, Algeria, a key supporter of the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the territory, withdrew its ambassador to Paris and threatened to impose sanctions.

The Algerian government described France’s decision as “morally questionable” and accused it of undermining international efforts to resolve the dispute through the UN. Algeria also expressed “great regret and strong denunciation.” The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “Former and current colonial powers seem to know how to align, understand and assist one another.”

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