U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on Thursday that Washington supports investments in Western Sahara, the disputed territory where Morocco has been expanding infrastructure to attract foreign capital.

The conflict, which has remained unresolved for decades, pits Morocco, claiming the territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks full independence.

“We will support U.S. companies looking to invest and do business in all of Morocco, including Western Sahara,” Landau said on X after meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

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According to Reuters, Morocco, which has a free trade agreement with the United States and runs a trade deficit with Washington, currently faces the lowest “reciprocal” tariff rate imposed by the Trump administration, set at 10%.

Rabat has in recent years intensified investments in Western Sahara, building roads, renewable energy projects, phosphate mines, and a planned $1 billion port.

In July, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, calling Rabat’s autonomy proposal for the region the only solution.

France later followed suit, recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty and endorsing investments in the territory.

In June, the United Kingdom became the third United Nations Security Council member to back autonomy under Moroccan rule as a resolution to the long-standing dispute.

Algeria and the Polisario Front, however, have denounced Western powers that support the autonomy plan, insisting instead on a referendum that would include independence as an option.

The United Nations has described the conflict as low-intensity and urged both sides to pursue negotiations toward a political and mutually acceptable settlement.

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Image Credit: USTDA