Morocco can rely on France in Sahara- French FM says

As Morocco and France prepare to turn the page on an era of diplomatic frost, French foreign Minister Stephane Séjouné said Morocco can rely on his country on the Sahara issue, adding that France is aware that the “Sahara issue is an existential matter for Morocco and Moroccans.”

Sejourne, who was speaking at a joint press conference with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, Monday in Rabat reiterated his country’s “clear and steady” support for Morocco’s autonomy plan offered for the Sahara under its sovereignty, saying that France has been backing the autonomy plan for the Sahara since 2007.

France is aware that the “Sahara issue is an existential matter for Morocco and Moroccans,” he said, urging progress on the basis of round tables with the participation of all parties, and expressing support for a “realistic, lasting and mutually accepted solution” in conformity with UN Security council resolutions.

Sejourne announced that France will open two schools in Dakhla and Laayoune in addition to an itinerant cultural centre in the Sahara territory.

He also lauded Morocco’s social and development achievements in the Sahara, highlighting particularly the efforts made in terms of training, renewable energies, and the blue economy.

“France will support development of the region by supporting Morocco’s efforts there,” he said.

Séjourné’s visit to Morocco is his first to Africa and to the Maghreb, sending a strong signal that French diplomacy is willing to open a new chapter in its longstanding ties with Morocco.

Officials from the two countries will be exchanging visits to lay the basis for a long-term partnership covering culture, trade, industry, renewable energies as well as working together on climate and regional peace and stability, he said.

Speaking on the same occasion, Moroccan foreign minister underscored the time-honored relations between the two states based on mutual respect and partnership.

Moroccan-French relations are undergoing a “moment of renewal,” he said, describing bilateral ties as “exceptional.”

Thanks to its ambitious reforms, Morocco stands as a source of stability in the region, he said, adding that he discussed working with France as partners in Africa.