British Member of Parliament and Former Secretary of State for Defense Liam Fox, who is currently in Morocco, highlighted the significance of the United Kingdom recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in an interview with Moroccan TV channel Medi 1 TV on Sunday.
Prior to his trip to Morocco, Fox had addressed a personal letter to British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron just after Cameron had taken office, to draw attention to the need for the UK to “catch up” on this issue.
In the letter, Fox focused on the importance of such recognition for UK-Morocco bilateral relations as well as on Morocco’s growing political and economic importance in the global arena. Fox acknowledged rising support among British MPs for Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan for resolving the Sahara dispute, and expressed dissatisfaction with London’s slow progress on this specific topic. By contrast, the United States, as part of the Abraham Accords, recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the region in December, 2020.
In the interview, in defending his somewhat unorthodox move of sending a personal letter, Fox declared unequivocally, “I thought it vital to contact the person with decision-making responsibility, considering Morocco’s importance on the multilateral stage.”
As an international crossroads and strategic gateway to Africa, he said Morocco “requires Britain’s genuine commitment to this undertaking. Speaking slogans is different than official visits and investments; instigating a tangible shift in policy stands as the utmost imperative.”
During the interview, Fox reconfirmed, “We must offer our full support to Morocco and recognize its sovereignty over the Sahara,” noting the importance of regional stability and security in addition to the economic opportunities it offers.
Fox characterized Britain’s acknowledgment of the Sahara’s Moroccan identity as a “win-win partnership” that is vital for minimizing irregular migration and creating significant cooperation opportunities and economic growth.
In addition, Fox underlined the developing relationship between Morocco and the United Kingdom, citing Morocco’s growing attraction for foreign direct investment due to its geostrategic location.
As Morocco has emerged as a significant investment spot for a number of countries, he noted that “Morocco is a priority country for the UK in economic, commercial and foreign policy terms.”
The UK’s exit from the EU is seen as an opportunity to strengthen trade connections with a number of nations, including Morocco, given its perfect positioning as an international hub and gateway to Africa.
The Conservative Party MP commended King Mohammed VI’s long-term approach, noting Morocco’s efforts to foster investment, economic reforms, and substantial initiatives, making it an invaluable ally for the UK.
“I believe his Majesty implemented a successful strategy that should be emulated,” he remarked. The kingdom’s strong investment environment has resulted in significant projects such as water desalination, renewable energy, agricultural production, and higher national GDP.
“I believe the king also contributed significantly to the development of human capital. Morocco’s advantages make it a top partner nation for the UK.”
Reflecting on his 2023 visit to Dakhla, Fox praised the city’s educational and hospital infrastructure, as well as the port’s importance in African trade.
Regarding the Sahara region, Fox argued that its economic advancement exemplifies “the best way to transition from conflict and war to coexistence and a sustainable future, underlining its potential as a worldwide model.”