Morocco becomes ‘Sectoral Dialogue Partner’ of ASEAN _Morocco has secured the distinction of being the first in Africa to attain this status_ In the ever-shifting landscape of international diplomacy, a notable contrast has emerged between two North African nations: Morocco and Algeria. While Algeria grapples with the repercussions of its recent rejection by the BRICS, Morocco has scored a significant diplomatic victory by officially attaining the status of an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner.

On August 24, 2023, the BRICS, the organization of emerging countries consisting of China, India, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa, announced the admission of 6 new members: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran. However, Algeria, which had also applied for membership, was rejected. 

Colonial powers have often created problems, divisions, and conflicts when they leave an occupied region, rather than exiting cleanly. Since gaining independence, Morocco has consistently claimed sovereignty over the Sahara. This claim was renewed in 1958 and 1959, and Morocco continued to assert its rights in various forums.

The autonomy plan proposed by Morocco to find a definitive solution to the artificial dispute over the Moroccan Sahara is the "only practical way" for moving forward, British MP Liam Fox said in Rabat on Wednesday.

This position was expressed by Fox in a statement to the press following his talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita.

"It’s important that we focus on what is best" for the populations of the region "and that we look for a practical way forward in the politics of the region," he said.

The Republic of Zambia on Tuesday reiterated its "unwavering support" for the Kingdom's territorial integrity and for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the "only credible and realistic solution" for resolving the artificial dispute over the Sahara.