France on Tuesday underscored its “unwavering” position on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, in a statement released by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs following a meeting between French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.
The statement reiterates the position expressed by President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI in his letter dated July 30, 2024, according to Morocco’s news agency, MAP.
Macron’s letter emphasizes that “for France, the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” while recalling the “unwavering nature of France’s position” and its commitment to “act consistently with this position at both the national and international levels.”
According to the French Ministry statement, Barrot stressed France’s “clear and consistent support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.”
He described it as “the only framework within which this issue should be resolved”, underlining that it is “the sole basis” for reaching a political solution.
Noting the “growing international consensus” in support of Morocco’s autonomy initiative, Barrot also stated that France intends to fully contribute to this momentum.
Moreover, France reaffirmed its commitment “to support Morocco’s significant efforts in promoting economic and social development” in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, highlighting the various measures taken in this regard and expressing its willingness to continue this dynamic.
The statement came hours after Bourita met with Barrot in Rabat. The officials vowed to bolster their cooperation and to deepen the “exceptional partnership” between their countries launched during Macron’s visit to Morocco in October.
