New York:Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, highlighted the declaration made by the Malian Government on April 10, 2026. In this declaration, Mali expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan as a serious and credible basis for resolving the Sahara dispute, viewing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most realistic solution.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Diop reiterated this stance during a press statement after his meeting with Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Diop noted that Bamako supported UN Security Council Resolution 2797, describing it as a crucial step towards a definitive resolution of the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. He expressed hope that the current UN General Assembly would facilitate the advancement and implementation of this initiative.

The Malian Foreign Minister emphasized the cooperative relationship between Mali and Morocco, which is based on mutual respect for each country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He praised the robust economic, historical, commercial, and human ties between the two nations. Diop recalled the Joint Commission for Cooperation meeting held in Bamako last July, which established a foundation for extensive collaboration in various sectors, in line with the spirit of South-South cooperation.