فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
At 10:28 PM Morocco Time (+01) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, held a video conference meeting with his Cambodian counterpart, Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral partnership and consult on international issues, with special focus on Cambodia’s support for Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara issue, as documented in a joint statement.
Background of the Meeting
Morocco-Cambodia relations have seen notable progress since diplomatic ties were established in 1965, with reciprocal visits enhancing cooperation in sectors such as tourism and trade. In recent years, Mr. Bourita undertook an official visit to Cambodia in 2023, during which both sides discussed deepening cooperation within the South-South framework. The recent meeting occurred amid Morocco’s intensified diplomatic efforts to secure international support for its autonomy plan, especially ahead of the UN Security Council meetings to renew the MINURSO mandate in October 2025.
Discussion Details
Mr. Prak Sokhonn expressed Cambodia’s explicit support for Morocco’s autonomy plan submitted to the United Nations in 2007, viewing it as a peaceful and pragmatic solution consistent with Security Council resolutions (such as Resolution 2602 of 2021). He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, commending Morocco’s efforts to promote development in the southern region. Mr. Bourita welcomed this stance, describing it as an added boost to growing international support, and called for enhanced bilateral cooperation in economic and cultural sectors.
Joint Statement
Both parties issued a joint statement affirming that “the Kingdom of Cambodia appreciates the Moroccan initiative for autonomy as a basis for a final settlement and supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco.” They expressed commitment to deepening bilateral partnership, emphasizing experience exchange and investment.
International Context on the Sahara Issue
- Morocco’s Plan: Proposes autonomy as a middle ground, with local governance for Sahrawis under Moroccan sovereignty, supported by over 100 countries as of 2025.
- Opposition: The Polisario Front and Algeria reject the plan, demanding a referendum on independence; support from countries like Cambodia strengthens Morocco’s position.
- UN Role: With the upcoming renewal of MINURSO’s mandate, international backing is a decisive factor in steering the political process.
Significance and Impact
- Strengthening Morocco’s Position: Cambodia’s support as an Asian state is strategically valuable, especially amid growing backing from Africa and Europe.
- Pressure on Negotiations: This stance may compel the UN to narrow options for the Polisario, focusing on realistic solutions.
- Reactions: Algeria and the Polisario are expected to oppose this support as “diplomatic pressure,” potentially heightening tensions.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 21/10/2025 | Video conference meeting |
| October 2025 | MINURSO mandate renewal |
Key References
