Morocco is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest allies and a key partner on a range of issues related to both British and global security, said Sir Liam Fox, former UK Secretary of State for Defense and International Trade, on Monday.
In an article published on The National, Sir Fox praised Morocco’s growing role on the global stage, describing the Kingdom as "a reliable and trustworthy ally and a pillar of regional security in the Sahel."
The article centers on the UK’s recent decision to support Morocco’s autonomy plan as a solution to the long-standing regional dispute over the Sahara. Sir Fox described the backing, announced in June by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as "a welcome and long-overdue decision."
During a visit to Rabat, Lammy stated that the UK considers the autonomy plan "the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis" for achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict. He also emphasized that the UK is committed to acting consistently with this position, bilaterally, regionally, and internationally, to help advance efforts toward a resolution.
Sir Fox noted that the British support, which he has "strongly" advocated for years, brings the UK into alignment with key allies including the United States, France, Spain, and Germany, countries that view Morocco as a trusted partner and a strategic anchor of stability in the Sahel region.
The autonomy plan is "the only credible and pragmatic solution to the conflict," he wrote, adding that it offers not only a peaceful resolution but also a forward-looking vision for economic development, driven by investment and job creation.
In his opinion, "opponents of the plan have no viable, let alone positive, alternative."
Sir Fox also pointed to the economic potential of Morocco’s new Atlantic port in Dakhla, which he said offers the UK a valuable opportunity to capitalize on new trade and development prospects, underpinned by the stability provided through the autonomy plan.
This will support the Atlantic Initiative, launched by Morocco, "with the noble goal of promoting interconnectivity in the Sahel by offering countries in the region better access to the Atlantic Ocean," he said.
Sir Fox, reflecting on the broader UK-Morocco relationship, emphasized that expanding cooperation between the two countries "comes at a critical moment."
He also sounded the alarm over security threats posed in the region by the polisario separatists, who have maintained links with terrorist organizations and countries that support terrorism. These connections should "concern all those working to promote regional stability," Sir Fox said.
"More generally, the polisario is pursuing a strategy of disorder, instability, and chaos," he noted.
MAP: 14 July 2025
