France has reiterated its “firm” position supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara in a statement published by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This announcement followed a meeting between French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita.
The French Foreign Ministry’s statement reaffirmed the position expressed by President Emmanuel Macron in a letter to His Majesty King Mohammed VI dated July 30, 2024, in which he stated that “for France, the present and future of Western Sahara falls within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” while reminding of “France’s unwavering position” and its commitment “to act in line with this stance at both national and international levels.”
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that the French Foreign Minister renewed “clear and steadfast support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty” as the “only framework through which to find a resolution to this issue,” emphasizing that it represents the “sole basis” for achieving a political settlement.
Jean-Yves Le Drian noted the “international consensus” supporting Morocco’s autonomy initiative, which has been continually expanding, emphasizing his country’s intention to play its full role within this framework.
The statement concluded that France reaffirms its commitment to “accompany Morocco in its significant efforts for economic and social development” in the southern regions of the Kingdom, recalling the various measures taken in this regard and expressing its desire to continue this dynamic.
