In support of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan, Portugal has expressed its «full support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the most serious, credible, and constructive basis for resolving this dispute». This position was outlined in the joint statement issued following a meeting on Tuesday in Lisbon between Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and Portugal's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel. Portugal acknowledged the importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco and recognized the kingdom's serious and credible efforts within the United Nations framework to achieve a political, just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution, according to the joint declaration. The two ministers also reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2756, which highlights the role and responsibility of the parties in pursuing a realistic, pragmatic, and enduring political solution based on compromise. With this position, Portugal signals its alignment with the growing international consensus around Morocco's autonomy plan, echoing the strong diplomatic momentum led by King Mohammed VI.
