French Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné reaffirmed Paris’s “clear and constant” support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara dispute on Monday.
This came during Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita’s meeting with his French counterpart, who arrived in Morocco for a working visit for the first time since his appointment in January, 2024.
“The Sahara is an existential issue for Morocco. We know that (…). It is now time to move forward. I will see to it personally,” said Séjourné.
The French official said that France wants a fair and mutually “acceptable political solution to resolve the conflict,” pointing out that France was the first to support the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007.
Séjourné also called for the resumption of the round tables and urged all the concerned parties to engage in this process. He also outlined France’s support for Moroccan development initiatives in the Sahara.
The French minister highlighted the Kingdom’s economic and social development efforts in the region and the fact that Morocco has “long invested in the Sahara” for the benefit of local populations. Citing sectors such as renewable energy and tourism, Sejourné insisted that “France will accompany the development of this region in support of Moroccan efforts.”
Séjourné also highlighted France’s efforts in the Sahara region, particularly in the educational and cultural fields, including the existence of two French schools in Dakhla and Laâyoune, as well as the French Institute’s traveling cultural center in the southern provinces.
The Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister said that the relationship between the two countries “is currently undergoing a renewal in content, effectiveness, and approach that aligns with the developments in the world and the countries.”
“Today, we discussed how to develop these relationships in light of important milestones. We emphasized the need to enhance the partnership between the two countries in various sectors and initiatives… and to explore agreements, declarations, or initiatives that can strengthen this partnership and make future milestones significant in the relationship,” said Bourita.
He stressed that the Moroccan-French relationship is unique, unparalleled, and deeply rooted in history based on shared interests and strong relations in various fields.
The Moroccan official noted that the Moroccan-French relationship is a state-to-state relationship overseen by the heads of the two states, King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron.
He emphasized, “The relationship between Morocco and France must be renewed and developed according to the principles of progress, ambition, and coordination.”
Regarding the Gaza crisis, Bourita also emphasized the need for the cease-fire in Gaza, the delivery of aid, and finding a solution to the political crisis while preserving the sanctity of the Palestinian state.
“With the approach of the month of Ramadan, Morocco warns against all practices and decisions that could increase tensions around Al-Aqsa Mosque and the city of Jerusalem during this period,” Bourita added.
The two parties also discussed how to work in a coordinated manner on the African continent, especially in the Sahel region, considering themselves partners with common interests in this area.
In terms of partnership, the French official announced Paris’s intention to build a 30-year partnership with Morocco, and Bourita added that several visits, conventions, and exchanges will transpire over the course of the coming weeks.