New York, September 26, 2026 — The Europe Today: The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty, while expressing its readiness to work with Morocco and other concerned parties toward a lasting resolution of the longstanding Sahara dispute.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau made the remarks following a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Landau said the talks reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Washington and Rabat, as well as their shared vision for the development of the Sahara region and strengthened cooperation under Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.
He said the United States was prepared to work with Morocco and other relevant parties to resolve the dispute, which has remained unresolved for more than five decades. Landau stressed that the existing situation could not continue indefinitely.
The meeting also underscored the continued strength of US-Morocco relations. Landau described the bilateral relationship as being at an exceptionally strong level and expressed confidence that the longstanding partnership between the two countries would continue in the years ahead.
The discussions came amid intensified diplomatic activity surrounding the Sahara issue at the United Nations. Earlier this month, the United States, Morocco and Israel reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the basis for a political settlement.
The United States has maintained its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara since December 2020 and has continued to support Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a framework for resolving the dispute.
The latest discussions between Landau and Bourita reflect continued US-Moroccan coordination on the Sahara issue, regional stability and economic development, as diplomatic efforts continue at the United Nations.
