South Korea has expressed its support for Morocco's «serious and credible efforts» to advance toward a resolution of the Western Sahara issue. The position was outlined in a statement released by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, May 9. The Korean government called for «a swift and mutually acceptable resolution» through dialogue between the concerned parties, within the framework of the United Nations. The statement also acknowledges Morocco's autonomy proposal, submitted to the UN Secretary-General in April 2007. It's worth recalling that during the 7th session of the Morocco–South Korea Joint Commission held in Seoul in 2018, the Korean government reiterated its support for UN-led efforts to reach a political solution to the Sahara issue. At the time, South Korea also praised Morocco's efforts to resolve the dispute, as reported by MAP. Despite pressure from Algeria, South Korea excluded the Polisario Front from its first summit with Africa. This absence was underscored in the diplomatic statement, which noted: «Rachid Talbi Alami, President of the House of Representatives, and H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, visited Korea in June 2024 on the occasion of the First Korea-Africa Summit, attended by 54 African countries». The statement concluded by reaffirming South Korea's commitment to «further strengthening its relations with Morocco, which continues to emerge as a leading country in Africa». This declaration comes two months after Hyundai Rotem signed a contract with Morocco's National Railways Office (ONCF) on February 25 to supply 110 trains, valued at approximately 1.5 billion euros. South Korea is also expected to supply weapons to the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
