Kim Howells, Foreign Office Minister, today met a high level Moroccan delegation, led by Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa; Deputy Foreign Minister Taib Fassi Fihri and Deputy Interior Minister Fouad Ali El-Himma.

Today's talks were an opportunity for the Moroccan delegation to outline their plans for autonomy for Western Sahara and for the Minister to share the UK's views on resolving the issue of the status of Western Sahara to the satisfaction of all parties.

Kim Howells said:

"I have had a very useful exchange with Chakib Benmoussa, Taib Fassi Fihri and Fouad Ali El-Himma. I welcomed this opportunity to hear their ideas on autonomy for Western Sahara, and to be briefed on the process on which the Moroccans have now embarked. The UK shares the concern of the international community that the status of Western Sahara should be resolved, and the wider problems of the region addressed. We will continue to support UN efforts towards a political solution.

"On a bilateral note I welcome the good relations the UK enjoys with Morocco. It is a strategic partner and I look forward to further strengthening cooperation on regional and international issues."

Notes For Editors

1. Morocco has undertaken to produce a plan for autonomy for Western Sahara. The plan has not yet been published. The UK looks forward to publication and will study the plan in detail once it is published.

2. The Moroccan delegation also met with the Home Secretary during their visit to the UK where they held very positive and constructive discussions on a wide range of counter terrorism issues.

3. FCO Country Page on Morocco can be found on the 'Country Profile' pages of the FCO Website.

---

Notes for Editors

 

Back to newsroom

Back to top