In a Communiqué issued following the meeting in Helsinki between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and his Finnish counterpart, Ms.  Elina Valtnonen, Finland welcomed Morocco’s efforts through diverse initiatives launched under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to further peace, stability and socio-economic development in Africa, in particular, the Royal Initiative to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the “Atlantic African States Process.”

Finland also highlighted Morocco's political stability, and welcomed the reforms carried out by the kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for a more open and dynamic Moroccan society and economy, notably through the new development model and advanced regionalization.

This international recognition reinforces Morocco's position as a key player in the region, and highlights the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to enshrine the Kingdom's central role at continental and international level.

In this regard, Finland recognized Morocco's key position as a gateway between Africa and Europe, its important role in the EU-Africa partnership at large, as well as its decisive contribution to the enhancement of regional cooperation and stability in the region, the fight against terrorism and cooperation on cross-border migration management.

On the Moroccan Sahara issue, Finland deems the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as "a good basis for a solution" to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

“Finland considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties,” according to the communiqué, reiterating its support for the “political process aimed at reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution".

Both ministers also expressed their common position on the exclusive role of the United Nations in the political process, reaffirming their support for the UN Security Council resolutions and the support of their respective countries for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, aimed at advancing this process.

Finland's new position is part of the momentum of international support for Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara and the Autonomy Plan, under Moroccan sovereignty, supported by many countries, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, May God assist Him, in recent years.