In a joint press conference following the bilateral talks, Mr. Bourita stressed the dynamism of the Moroccan Sahara issue, the solution of which ‘’can only be conceived within the framework of the United Nations and on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy plan."

Mr. Bourita recalled, in this context, the positive positions expressed by Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary, Slovakia and Cyprus, in favor of the Moroccan autonomy plan, as a basis for a serious and credible solution, stating that other countries will follow in the future.

The minister also mentioned the U.S. recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara and the opening of consulates in the southern provinces, which constitute a message to the countries concerned by their proximity to the conflict, including the Europeans.

After all these positive positions, Austria has just expressed this Tuesday its position on the Moroccan Sahara issue, which sees in the autonomy plan a basis for a serious and credible solution.

Mr. Bourita, who had called more than a year ago Europe to "get out of its comfort zone" in order to reach a solution to the artificial conflict on the Moroccan Sahara, stressed the imperative to find a solution to this conflict and not just support a process, which may last because of the lack of will in other parties.

Mr. Launsky is part of his country's delegation, led by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, which is visiting Morocco. A very important visit that constitutes a qualitative leap in relations between Morocco and Austria, Mr. Bourita noted.

This visit, he said, reflects the vision of HM King Mohammed VI in favor of diversifying the Kingdom's partnerships within Europe and its openness to other European countries that are not geographically close.

Historical and rooted, Moroccan-Austrian relations are based on a comprehensive approach and a dense strategic and sectoral dialogue in the economic and social field, Mr. Bourita said, citing also in this context, cooperation between Morocco and Austria in the cultural and parliamentary areas.

For his part, Mr. Launsky said that his country commends the key role played by Morocco for security in the region and in the fields of counter-terrorism and migration.
 

He added: "Austria recognizes the key role that Morocco plays for security in the region and commends the Kingdom's commitment to stability in the Sahel and Libya, but also in areas such as the fight against terrorism and cooperation against cross-border migration,"
"Illegal immigration is a major issue for Austria, which greatly appreciates Morocco’s support and cooperation in this area’’.

He also noted that Austria welcomes the close and strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union, the Kingdom being the first partner of the EU and the latter the first investor in Morocco.

The Austrian official noted, moreover, that this visit and meetings at the level of both countries’ heads of government are part of the long-standing relations that bind Morocco and Austria.

Mr. Launsky said, in this regard, that the large delegation accompanying the Federal Chancellor testifies to the great interest that Austria attaches to relations with the Kingdom, especially in the economic field.

"At the bilateral level, we see a huge potential in our trade relations," he added.

Regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, the Austrian Federal Deputy Minister said that his country considers the autonomy plan as a basis for a serious and credible solution to this artificial conflict.