Casablanca The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, as senior officials from both countries underscored steady progress in their expanding strategic partnership across multiple sectors.
UK Vice Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy described bilateral relations as entering a “new era,” marked by strengthened cooperation in key areas including defense, energy, maritime affairs, food security, water management, and healthcare. His remarks followed high-level discussions with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
The development comes after talks held in London between UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Bourita, during which the UK reiterated its backing of Morocco’s autonomy initiative as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic” basis for resolving the long-standing Western Sahara dispute.
Speaking after his meeting, Lammy emphasized that cooperation between London and Rabat has continued to advance over the past year, particularly in areas linked to economic growth and regional security. He noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing stability and fostering long-term development.
Relations between the two nations, which span more than 800 years, are increasingly being shaped by common strategic priorities. Recent months have witnessed intensified collaboration in investment and infrastructure, particularly in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. British companies are actively engaging in discussions on stadium construction, transport systems, and urban planning, while UK financial institutions have shown interest in funding major development projects.
Cooperation has also expanded in renewable energy, with ongoing exchanges focusing on solar and wind initiatives. Additionally, both countries are strengthening coordination in maritime security and port logistics to facilitate trade flows.
A series of business forums and trade missions held this year have further aimed to boost bilateral investment, with both sides identifying significant opportunities in water management, agricultural resilience, and healthcare systems as part of their evolving post-Brexit partnership.
Foreign Secretary Cooper welcomed the deepening ties, stating that the partnership delivers tangible benefits for both countries, particularly as they explore new avenues of cooperation aligned with major international events and long-term development goals.
