Bahrain has reiterated its steadfast support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and full sovereignty over its Sahara region, according to a joint statement issued after the sixth session of the Morocco-Bahrain High Joint Commission in Laayoune.
Bahrain reaffirmed backing for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which recognizes Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the sole framework for resolving the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara. The kingdom also confirmed support for UN-led efforts, including those of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara, aimed at facilitating negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy initiative to achieve a definitive resolution recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The High Joint Commission session, co-chaired by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and explored new areas for collaboration across multiple sectors.
Bourita highlighted the deep fraternal ties between the two countries and emphasized Morocco’s determination to expand partnerships into additional fields. Al Zayani described Morocco as his “second home” and underscored Bahrain’s commitment to sustaining close coordination and dialogue to diversify cooperation.
The session also covered discussions on regional and international developments, as well as Arab issues of mutual concern. Several agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, including measures on visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, customs cooperation, agriculture, rural development, food security, and social protection.
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Both countries celebrated the positive trajectory of their relations and expressed determination to elevate ties further in line with guidance from King Mohammed VI of Morocco and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.
The Western Sahara region, located in North Africa along the Atlantic coast, has been the subject of a decades-long territorial dispute. Morocco controls most of the territory and regards it as its Southern Provinces, while the Polisario Front, backed historically by Algeria, seeks independence for the area as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The conflict has remained unresolved since Spain withdrew from the territory in 1975, leading to intermittent clashes and a protracted political stalemate.
To address the dispute, Morocco proposed the Autonomy Plan, which envisions self-governance for the region under Moroccan sovereignty. The plan has been endorsed by the United Nations and recognized by the Security Council in Resolution 2797, which affirms it as the sole framework for a negotiated settlement. Morocco maintains that autonomy under its sovereignty is the only viable path to a lasting and peaceful resolution.
Bahrain has been a consistent supporter of Morocco’s position on Western Sahara, aligning with Arab League and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members who recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the region. The kingdom’s backing strengthens Morocco’s diplomatic leverage, particularly in international forums, and underscores broader regional solidarity on Arab territorial and political issues.
The Morocco-Bahrain High Joint Commission provides a platform to advance bilateral ties beyond political issues. In recent years, cooperation has expanded across trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, social protection, and energy, reflecting a shared commitment to economic growth and regional stability. Agreements on visa facilitation, customs cooperation, and joint development projects have deepened practical collaboration while reinforcing diplomatic alignment on regional matters.
The reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan during the sixth session in Laayoune signals Bahrain’s continued alignment with Morocco on both diplomatic and political fronts. It comes amid ongoing UN-led efforts to facilitate negotiations and international attempts to mediate a lasting solution to the Western Sahara dispute. The statement also highlights the strategic partnership between Rabat and Manama, which combines shared political objectives with expanding economic and cultural cooperation.
