Finland came out boldly on Tuesday to give a comprehensive endorsement to the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the road to permanent settlement in the almost 48 years of conflict in Western Sahara.
Finland described the plan by Morocco as a “good basis for a solution” to the long-standing regional dispute.
This position was articulated in a Joint Communiqué released on Tuesday in Helsinki, following discussions between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and Finnish Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen.
According to the communique, “Finland considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties,” reiterating its support for the “political process aimed at reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution”. By this action, Finland becomes the first Nordic country to formally support Morocco’s autonomy plan. The country has also become the 17th EU member state to do so. France had, a week before the landmark decision by Finland, given its own endorsement to the plan.
The move by Finland has buoyed the growing momentum within the European Union in favour of the plan.
“Finland considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties,” the communiqué stated, reaffirming support for a “just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.”
This position reflects a comprehensive state policy, endorsed by the executive and legislative branches, including consultations with the President, the Government, and the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
The communiqué also highlighted both ministers’ support for the exclusive role of the United Nations in the political process, affirming their backing for UN Security Council resolutions and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to advance the process.
Finland’s new stance aligns with the growing international support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and the Autonomy Plan, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.