France reaffirms its “fixed” position supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and describes autonomy as the “only framework for resolution.”
France reiterated its clear and steadfast stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue on Tuesday, emphasizing its support for the autonomy proposal put forth by the Kingdom. This affirmation came after a meeting between French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.
The French Foreign Ministry’s statement reaffirmed the position expressed by President Emmanuel Macron in a letter to His Majesty King Mohammed VI on July 30, 2024, in which he stated, “For France, the present and future of Western Sahara are integrated within Moroccan sovereignty,” reminding that “France’s stance is unwavering” and that it is committed to “working in harmony with this position at both national and international levels.”
Additionally, the statement highlighted the French Minister’s renewed support for the “clear and steadfast” plan for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, which is regarded as “the only framework through which a resolution to this issue should be sought,” noting that it is the “sole basis” for achieving a political settlement.
Jean-Noël Barrot pointed to the “international consensus” supporting the Moroccan autonomy initiative “which continues to expand,” emphasizing that his country intends to play its full role in this context.
The statement concluded by reiterating France’s commitment to “supporting Morocco in its substantial efforts for economic and social development” in the southern regions of the Kingdom, recalling various measures taken in this regard and expressing a desire to continue this dynamic.
It is noteworthy that Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, made a working visit to France on Monday at the invitation of Jean-Noël Barrot.
This visit comes within the framework of activating the exceptional partnership established by the declaration signed in Rabat on October 28, 2024, by King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron.
This visit serves as an opportunity to assess the implementation of the declaration’s contents at various levels, in accordance with the directives of the leaders of both countries.
