French Ambassador in Rabat: Paris Expands Cooperation with the Sahara and Supports Moroccan Sovereignty in Europe
Christophe Lecourtier, the French Ambassador to Morocco, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Morocco, stating that Paris is moving forward with its new commitments regarding the Moroccan Sahara. This came during a reception hosted by the French Embassy in Rabat on Monday evening to celebrate France’s National Day, attended by over 2,500 guests.
Lecourtier explained that France has actively begun translating its words into actions by launching developmental projects and consular services in the southern regions, in addition to areas such as education, culture, and the economy. He emphasized that the people of the Sahara will benefit from the same support and services provided to other regions of the kingdom.
The French ambassador stressed that relations between Rabat and Paris have evolved beyond a mere bilateral basis to a strategic commitment that reflects both countries’ desire to build a shared future in a turbulent world. He recalled the agreements reached between French President Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI during their visit in October 2024, which paved the way for a more comprehensive and ambitious partnership.
Lecourtier also delivered a political message directed at the European Union, asserting that France will advocate for its new approach to the Sahara issue within European institutions, considering that the future of the southern regions falls under Moroccan sovereignty.
On the consular side, Olivier Ramador, the French Consul General in Rabat, revealed that the consulate continues to enhance its services for the French community, which numbers over 56,000 people in Morocco, of whom approximately 10,700 are officially registered. He explained that the consular administration is focused on improving service quality and accessibility for citizens through consular outreach missions in various cities like Kenitra, and providing modern equipment to process identity and passport requests.
Ramador noted that these initiatives are part of the commitments made in the exceptional partnership agreement signed between Morocco and France last October, particularly regarding the facilitation of legal mobility and the enhancement of visa services. He also revealed that Rabat’s consulate has become the leading French consulate globally in terms of the number of visas issued, indicating the depth of humanitarian ties between the two countries and the future of their bilateral partnership.
