Slovenia has become the latest EU country to support Morocco’s autonomy plan as a political solution to the over-five decade Sahara conflict.
Slovenia “appreciates” the autonomy plan as a proposal that would offer a lasting solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara,Slovenia’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister,Tanja Fajon,said following talks in Ljubljana this Friday with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
Slovenia has tried to increase imports of Algerian gas to reduce dependence on Russia. Algeria has attempted in vain to pressure Ljubljana into taking hostile stands against Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Slovenia had made its position clear in November 2024 when it spoke favorably of the autonomy initiative,dealing a blow to Algerian propaganda.
Fajon also underscored that the Sahara issue shall continue to be managed exclusively under the UN process and expressed backing to the UN Security resolutions urging all the parties,including Algeria,to work together towards a fair,lasting and mutually acceptable solution based on compromise.
Fajon lauded the reforms launched in Morocco under the leadership of King Mohammed VI at the political,economic and social levels.
She welcomed the Atlantic Initiative aiming to help landlocked Sahel states access global trade.
In this respect,she commended the gas pipeline project that would connect Nigerian gas to Morocco,while helping 13 West African states meet their energy security needs.
“These initiatives aim to make the African Atlantic space a geostrategic framework conducive to intra-African development,while promoting stability and prosperity in Africa,” she said.
United News - unews.co.za