Finland has again backed Morocco’s plan to grant autonomy to its southern provinces under Moroccan sovereignty, calling it one of the most realistic ways to end the long-running dispute.
Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen met Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat to discuss closer ties and regional issues.
In a joint statement, Finland said Morocco’s autonomy proposal is a serious and credible basis for a final deal accepted by all sides. Helsinki first endorsed the plan in August 2024, becoming the first Nordic country to do so and moving away from its earlier neutral position.
Finland also repeated its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and for ongoing efforts by the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to find a lasting political solution.
Morocco said it values its strong relationship with the European Union. Finland praised reforms carried out under King Mohammed VI, saying they have helped make Morocco a stable and reliable partner for the EU.
The two ministers pointed to progress made at the latest EU–Morocco Association Council meeting in Brussels in January. They also referred to the Pact for the Mediterranean, launched in Barcelona in November 2025 to reshape cooperation between the EU and countries in North Africa.
Finland and Morocco have had diplomatic relations for 66 years. Trade and investment are key parts of the partnership, with Finland seeing Morocco as a gateway to African and Mediterranean markets.
Trade between the EU and Morocco topped €60bn in 2024. Morocco received around €270m a year in EU funding between 2021 and 2024.
Both sides said they want to expand cooperation in green energy, digital technology and major infrastructure projects.
