Chilean Senator Francisco Chauan has affirmed that the Chilean Senate supports Morocco’s autonomy initiative for its southern provinces, marking a significant shift in Chile’s stance on the territorial issue.
Speaking on Tuesday in Rabat at the opening of the “Conference of the Future,” Chauan announced that the Chilean Senate had passed a special resolution endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan. The event, held from December 17 to 18, was organised by both chambers of the Moroccan Parliament in collaboration with the Future Meetings Foundation and Chile’s Chamber of Deputies and Senate.
As a member of the “Future Challenges” committee, Chauan highlighted the autonomy model as an effective solution for fostering development and addressing the needs of local populations.
Following his visit to Laâyoune, the senator noted that he had witnessed firsthand the “unprecedented development in the region and the quality of life enjoyed by its inhabitants.”
The parliamentary conference serves as a platform for dialogue among parliamentarians, government officials, scientists, researchers, and stakeholders on issues concerning the future of humanity. Topics discussed include global challenges, climate change, international migration, strengthening global peace and security, food security, and North-South cooperation.
This development builds on Chile’s growing support for Morocco’s position. Last month, during the Moroccan Week in Chile at the La Moneda Cultural Center in Santiago, Chilean Undersecretary of State for Foreign Relations Gloria de la Fuente underscored the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Chile’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict has significantly evolved over the years. In 1999, Chile’s foreign minister announced a decision to recognize the self-proclaimed “SADR,” but this decision was never implemented. Instead, Chile has increasingly supported Morocco’s territorial integrity.
In 2023, as chair of the Chilean Senate’s foreign relations committee, Chauan expressed Chile’s “unwavering support” for Morocco’s autonomy plan. During his visit to Rabat in June 2023, he emphasized Chile’s commitment to rallying support for the initiative, particularly across Latin America.
Chauan also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation through a free trade agreement, showing interest in Morocco’s fertilizer sector and the development of green hydrogen industries.
The ongoing conference addresses additional critical topics, including global health challenges, energy transition prospects, and transformations in human relationships and social connections in the 21st century.
MK/sf/te/lb/as/APA