Kingdom
Sahara: France reaffirms its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan
Following his meeting with Nasser Bourita in Rabat, French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed France’s position supporting the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as “the sole basis for a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution.”
France reiterated on Wednesday in Rabat that the “present and future of the Sahara fall within Morocco’s sovereignty”, outlining the concrete measures taken in line with this position.
Jean-Noël Barrot recalled the stance expressed by President Emmanuel Macron in his letter addressed to His Majesty King Mohammed VI on 30 July 2024, reaffirming that the Sahara issue is of strategic importance for France and for the region.
He also reiterated Paris’s support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as “the sole basis for a just, lasting and negotiated political solution”, welcoming United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 as well as the resumption of direct discussions among all parties on this basis.
In terms of concrete measures, Jean-Noël Barrot indicated that France has strengthened its consular presence in the Southern Provinces, with the opening of a visa application centre, the creation of an Alliance Française in Laâyoune, and the inauguration of a new school.
At the economic level, he stressed that French companies are investing in the Sahara, supported by the French Development Agency.
