By Manal Abdel Fattah
The Netherlands has reiterated its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, describing it as a “serious and credible” contribution to the UN-led political process.
In a statement to the press, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said that “the Netherlands considers the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process to resolve the conflict over the Sahara.”
Mr. Veldkamp highlighted “the importance of regional stability”, reiterating his country’s support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to “continue a political process aimed at reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the principles set out in the UN Charter.”
On the other hand, the Minister expressed his satisfaction with the strength and diversity of relations with Morocco, which cover a large number of areas, from trade to security, from the fight against terrorism to the issue of migration.
The head of Dutch diplomacy said that Morocco’s role as a “stable partner in the region is crucial in this regard”, adding that his country values the “strategic partnership” with Morocco, and expresses its pride in deepening and strengthening this cooperation further in the future.
Mr. Veldkamp pointed out that relations between the two countries fall within a broader framework linking the Kingdom and the European Union, stressing that “Morocco is a very important neighboring country for Europe”.
