South Korea supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for Sahara, signaling a further isolation for Algeria

South Korea has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the Sahara,and expressed its support for the «serious and credible efforts» made by the Kingdom to advance toward a resolution of the regional conflict.

This endorsement,which was outlined in a statement released by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday,May 9,marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape and signals further isolation of Algeria in its separatist endeavors.

The statement emphasized Korea’s support for Morocco’s 2007 initiative as a credible path to resolving the long-standing territorial dispute and its «serious and credible efforts» to advance the settlement process.

The Korean government also called for «a swift and mutually acceptable resolution» through dialogue between the concerned parties,within the framework of the United Nations,according to the statement relayed by several Moroccan media outlets.

The statement,echoing language from UN Security Council Resolution 1754,represents a substantial diplomatic victory for Rabat and poses a severe challenge to Algiers,commented Walaw News website,which added that with Korea joining over 113 countries in backing Morocco’s autonomy plan,Algeria’s position continues to weaken. The growing international support for Morocco underscores the diminishing influence of Algeria on the global stage.

The endorsement coincides with an intensification of relations between Korea and Morocco,through high-level exchanges and substantial investments from Korean companies like Samsung and LG,which have established successful operations in Morocco.

Furthermore,the recent €1.5 billion deal between Hyundai Rotem and Morocco’s National Railway Office to supply 110 trains translates the expanding economic cooperation. In 2024,bilateral trade surged to approximately $550 million,and both nations are exploring an Economic Partnership Agreement to enhance trade relations further.

Meanwhile,Algeria’s strategy concerning the Sahara appears increasingly frail. Recent statements from UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura have dismissed Algeria’s partition proposals,instead endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the only viable path.” This endorsement is bolstered by the reaffirmation by Secretary of State Marco Rubio of US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,officially declared by the first Trump administration.

France’s shift away from neutrality towards active support for Morocco further compounds Algeria’s diplomatic challenges.

In this changing geopolitical landscape,Algeria finds itself in a precarious position,particularly as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council,where its influence is waning. Even traditional allies like Russia seem to be reassessing their positions,abstaining from votes on Sahara resolutions. As global dynamics shift,Algeria’s once-reliable support appears increasingly tenuous.

And as the situation develops,Morocco’s autonomy plan gains momentum on the international scale,while Algeria’s diplomatic maneuvers falter.