In a statement under agenda item 2, the group stressed that “the interaction of member states with the Council and the High Commissioner must remain bilateral and protected from any exploitation.”

The statement, delivered by Ambassador Omar Zniber, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations Office in Geneva, reiterated that the Sahara issue is a political dispute addressed by the Security Council and affirmed that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents the most viable solution.

The group expressed its support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2797, which seeks to relaunch the political process through negotiations involving the four parties mentioned therein, based on the Moroccan autonomy plan, with the aim of reaching a final and mutually acceptable political solution.

Furthermore, the forty countries welcomed Morocco’s long-standing commitment to constructive, voluntary, and in-depth engagement with the United Nations human rights system, particularly with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Several representatives have visited Morocco, including the Sahara, to promote and protect human rights throughout the national territory.

The group also welcomed the opening of consulates general by several countries in Dakhla and Laayoune, noting that these diplomatic missions strengthen economic cooperation, investment, and regional and continental development.

The statement concluded that “the settlement of this regional dispute will contribute to realizing the legitimate aspirations of the African and Arab peoples for integration and development—an objective that Morocco continues to pursue through sincere and sustained efforts.”