Japan has welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which states that “a genuine autonomy, under Moroccan sovereignty, could be one of the most feasible solutions” to the long-running Western Sahara conflict.
This position was outlined in a joint communiqué signed by Nasser Bourita and his Japanese counterpart, Motegi Toshimitsu, during a video conference held to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Japan in 2026.
According to the communiqué, Japan backed the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to continue negotiations. It said the talks should move forward “based on the Moroccan autonomy plan” to achieve “a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable settlement of the dispute.”
Tokyo also praised the adoption of Resolution 2797, saying it supports Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a key path toward a political settlement.
Japan further urged all parties involved to take part in discussions “without preconditions and on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy plan” to reach what it described as a “definitive and mutually acceptable political solution.”
The communiqué added that Japan believes “a genuine autonomy, under Moroccan sovereignty, could represent one of the most feasible solutions.”
Mr Toshimitsu also indicated that Japan is ready to shape its diplomatic and economic actions around this position, taking into account “the current evolution of the situation.”
The statement described Japan’s stance as recognition of Morocco’s efforts to resolve the dispute over what Rabat refers to as its Southern Provinces.
It also noted that Japan’s position reflects what it described as increasing international support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the preferred solution to the regional conflict.
Morocco and Japan are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, with both countries highlighting their long-standing friendship, cooperation, and mutual support.
