France Expresses Desire to Contribute to the Development of Moroccan Sahara
Mustapha Felali, Express TV
The French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, confirmed that his country aims to be a key partner in the development of the southern regions of the Kingdom, supporting the royal vision led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for comprehensive and sustainable development benefiting the local population.
In an interview with the Moroccan News Agency, on the eve of the Moroccan-French Economic Forum in Dakhla, Lecourtier explained that these regions are rich in vast economic potential, particularly in renewable energies, and their strategic location makes them a pivotal center in the Sahel and West Africa. He emphasized that France “shares the development vision of His Majesty the King and seeks to contribute effectively to this path.”
The French diplomat pointed out that the southern regions represent new prospects for French-Moroccan cooperation, through the launch of new educational and cultural projects, as well as expanding the activities of the French Development Agency to include these areas. He regarded the organization of the economic forum for the first time in Dakhla as a clear message that these regions have become a promising space for future partnerships and investments.
Lecourtier reaffirmed that Morocco has become a central player in global value chains, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries, highlighting that the trade balance between the two countries is “balanced and based on creating value within Morocco.” He called for the development of a more advanced partnership between Moroccan and French businesses, extending beyond trade exchange to include joint investment and knowledge transfer.
This French stance follows a similar declaration from the United States, where Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed Washington’s commitment to encouraging American investments in the southern regions, in the context of the U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, and in support of development and prosperity efforts in the area.
