Strengthening Morocco-South Korea partnership

The Spanish think tank Instituto IDHUS, specializing in geopolitics, economics, and social sciences, has thoroughly examined South Korea's explicit support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Moroccan Sahara. This diplomatic shift signals Seoul’s intent to deepen cooperation with Rabat based on regional stability and shared economic interests.

Historically neutral on the Sahara issue, South Korea's formal endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy proposal deemed serious and credible by experts marks a strategic reorientation. Instituto IDHUS highlights that this support goes beyond mere diplomacy; it reflects Seoul’s commitment to regional development and collaboration with a trusted partner.

The longstanding conflict over Moroccan Sahara continues, but Morocco’s autonomy plan, introduced in 2007, now enjoys broad international backing from over 113 countries, making it the most widely supported solution worldwide.

Economically, South Korea’s engagement aligns with growing investments in Morocco’s key sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, and port logistics. Extending cooperation to the southern provinces, including Moroccan Sahara, signals a shared ambition for a sustainable, long-term partnership.

The exclusion of the Polisario Front from the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul reinforces South Korea’s preference for dialogue with sovereign states to promote regional stability. This move confirms Morocco’s status as a central player capable of fostering inclusive development and effective governance in a historically marginalized region.

Instituto IDHUS suggests this new alignment could influence other Asian countries like Japan, India, and ASEAN members to reconsider their positions on the Moroccan Sahara issue, potentially increasing recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan.

Ultimately, this rapprochement exemplifies the growing influence of middle powers in global affairs. Morocco, strategically located and commercially connected across Africa, Europe, and Asia, is becoming a crucial hub. The Rabat-Seoul axis is more than a diplomatic gesture; it marks a new phase of international partnerships focused on stability, sustainable development, and enduring economic cooperation.