France fully recognises Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as the most serious and credible option for settling the current Sahrawi dispute.
This political determination was made clear during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Moroccan kingdom at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.
Last July, the French state recognised Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara as the most serious and credible option for resolving the Saharawi question, which has lasted for almost five decades after Spain’s departure from the territory as a colonial power.
Following this French strategic move, Franco-Moroccan relations ceased to be stagnant and improved as Morocco considers this issue of vital importance as it considers Western Sahara as part of its southern provinces, all in defence of its territorial integrity.
With this strengthening of ties, came King Mohammed VI’s invitation to Emmanuel Macron for a very important state visit that has led to closer ties, full recognition of the Moroccan character of the Sahara and the signing of up to 22 economic and trade agreements in various strategic areas such as the High-Speed Train, energy, agriculture, decarbonisation, infrastructure, logistics, investments in Western Sahara and other sectors. This represents a major strategic partnership, dubbed the ‘Renewed Exceptional Partnership’.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI (R) walks with France’s President Emmanuel Macron (L) as they greet guests during a state dinner at the Royal Palace in Rabat on October 29, 2024 – AFP/LUDOVIC MARIN
Emmanuel Macron himself delivered an important speech to the Moroccan Parliament on the second day of his state visit, in which he reaffirmed France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The French President again pointed out to the Moroccan parliamentarians that the present and future of Western Sahara are part of Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory, considered by the North African country as part of its southern provinces. He considered Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as ‘the only basis for a just, lasting and negotiated political solution’. These declarations were received with great satisfaction by the Moroccan parliamentarians.
Precisely on this issue, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has also decided to update the map of Morocco on its website, including Western Sahara as its own territory in the Moroccan kingdom.
France recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara with official map update – PHOTO/https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/maroc/presentation-du-maroc/
The French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, stated at a press conference with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, that his ministry decided to modify the image of the map of Morocco on its official website to include the territory of Western Sahara as part of the Moroccan kingdom. Regarding the full map of the Kingdom of Morocco, the French minister stated: ‘We have backed up these words with actions and I am pleased to announce that the map of Morocco has been updated on the website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs’.
The French minister also underlined the deep historical and social ties between the two countries and highlighted Morocco as a natural gateway to the African continent for France and Europe in general.
Meanwhile, Nasser Bourita welcomed this French position of support for Morocco on the Western Sahara issue and explained that the French statement clearly indicates that the development of the French position on the Moroccan Sahara is not only of a diplomatic nature, but is divided into very important and appreciated executive actions.
Emmanuel Macron himself pointed out that the present and future of the region depend on Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces. The French president pledged France’s continued support in international forums on the Western Sahara issue, adding that French companies will contribute to the expansion of Morocco’s southern provinces through investments, sustainable projects and solidarity initiatives for the benefit of local communities.
Morocco proposes for Western Sahara a formula of broad autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, respecting the resolutions of the United Nations (UN), which would give the Saharawi authorities a great capacity for self-government and would promote territorial development, leaving defence and foreign affairs policies in the hands of the Moroccan state. In fact, the Moroccan formula has received the support of over 100 countries, including powers such as the United States, France, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Germany and Spain, which consider the North African country’s proposal to be the most serious, credible and realistic way of resolving the Saharawi dispute.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and his wife Brigitte Macron (R) as they arrive at the Royal Palace for a state dinner in Rabat on 29 October 2024 – AFP/LUDOVIC MARIN
Gala dinner
Another important event on the occasion of Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI was the gala dinner served to the French President and his wife Brigitte Macron.
The King of Morocco was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid and Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem, Lalla Asmaa and Lalla Hasnaa, during the official dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of France and his wife.
Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco (3-Left), Morocco’s Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan (Centre-Left), French President Emmanuel Macron (Centre-Right), Morocco’s King Mohammed VI (2-Right), French President’s wife Brigitte Macron (Right) and members of the Royal Family attend a state dinner at the Royal Palace in Rabat on October 29, 2024 – AFP/LUDOVIC MARIN
On his arrival at the Royal Palace, the French President, accompanied by his wife, reviewed a detachment of the Royal Guard who were performing the honours.
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) speaks with Morocco’s King Mohammed VI during a state dinner at the Royal Palace in Rabat on October 29, 2024, as part of a three-day state visit by the French President to Morocco – AFP/LUDOVIC MARIN
Invited to this dinner were the head of the Moroccan government, Aziz Akhannouch, the President of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, the President of the Chamber of Councillors, Mohammed Ould Errachid, advisers to the Alaouite monarch, members of the government, members of the official delegation accompanying the French President and other civilian and military personalities.