(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing Rabat’s autonomy proposal as the only practical basis for resolving the long-running territorial dispute.

In a message to King Mohammed VI marking the 26th anniversary of the Moroccan monarch’s ascension to the throne, Trump reportedly called Morocco’s autonomy plan “serious, credible, and realistic,” according to the country’s official MAP news agency.

“I also reiterate that the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara,” Trump stated.

The message comes amid renewed U.S. diplomatic backing for Morocco, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio also praising the kingdom last week, calling it one of Washington’s “oldest and closest friends.” He highlighted bilateral cooperation on regional peace, counterterrorism, and trade, while also pointing to the Abraham Accords as a shared diplomatic achievement.

The Western Sahara dispute has pitted Morocco against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front for decades. While the Polisario demands a UN-supervised referendum on independence for the Sahrawi people, Morocco insists that granting autonomy under its sovereignty is the only path toward lasting peace.

Morocco controls most of the territory and views it as an integral part of its national land. The U.S. officially recognized Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara in late 2020, during Trump’s previous term, in conjunction with Rabat’s decision to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

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