In his first diplomatic mission outside the EU, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen visited Morocco, reinforcing the Netherlands' support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara and emphasizing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Berendsen, received by his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita ‹ › For his first visit outside the European Union since taking office, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen traveled to Morocco, where he was received by his counterpart Nasser Bourita. He reaffirmed Amsterdam's support for Morocco's autonomy proposal for the Sahara, as well as for UN Security Council Resolution 2797, in a joint statement issued after their meeting. The visit follows Bourita's trip to The Hague on December 5, 2025, during David van Weel, the former Dutch FM, had already described autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the «most realistic» solution. This position was reiterated, alongside praise for the efforts of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura. «I want to reaffirm that the Netherlands considers genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most realistic solution in this context, and fully supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and his personal envoy to facilitate and lead negotiations based on the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, in order to reach a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable settlement.» Tom Berendsen, Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen said he also discussed «ways to move this issue forward,» welcoming «Morocco's willingness to further develop the 2007 autonomy plan and clarify its regional implications.» The Netherlands, he added, «will act in accordance with its position and international law.» Highlighting the significance of his first visit outside the EU, he praised Morocco's «state-of-the-art infrastructure, significant economic opportunities, and strong commitment to shared values,» describing the country as «a reliable ally and a steadfast defender of international peace and stability.» Closer alignment on regional issues Berendsen described Morocco as «a key strategic partner,» citing its ties with West Africa, the Sahel, and the Gulf, in a context «marked by significant instability.» The two sides also expressed «deep concern» over escalating tensions in the Middle East. «We agreed on the urgency of de-escalation, as this conflict has significant consequences for us all. I also expressed our solidarity with the Gulf countries, which have been severely affected by Iran's indiscriminate attacks that must cease immediately.» Tom Berendsen Both ministers also called for the Strait of Hormuz to «be lifted as soon as possible» and reaffirmed their commitment to the «two-state solution» regarding Gaza and the West Bank. Berendsen also «praised the fruitful cooperation with Morocco» within the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution, highlighting the role of King Mohammed VI as President of the Al-Quds Committee. The talks also covered Ukraine and the need to mobilize the international community, with both sides reaffirming a «shared commitment to international law and the multilateral order,» and their intention to continue cooperation at the United Nations. Beyond geopolitical issues, the meeting addressed strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, migration, and economic fields, with the Netherlands ranking among Morocco's key partners.
