France deepens partnership with Morocco with investments in Sahara

France is reinforcing its strategic alliance with Morocco through concrete investments in the southern provinces and a renewed cultural outreach, signaling a shift from diplomatic support to multidimensional engagement, ambassador Christophe Lecourtier said.

France’s position is “to be present in all domains: a committed, loyal, and concrete ally,” Lecourtier told Le360, citing projects in renewable energy, industrial cooperation, and cultural initiatives as pillars of this new phase.

While Paris maintains its clear stance in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, the ambassador stressed that the partnership now translates into tangible projects.

Lecourtier recalled that France was the first to endorse the autonomy initiative since 2007 and remains a leading advocate, as reaffirmed by President Emmanuel Macron in 2024: “The present and future of these territories is within Moroccan sovereignty.”

On the UN front, Lecourtier detailed the intense negotiations preceding the Security Council’s October 31 resolution, which explicitly referenced Moroccan sovereignty.

France, he said, “fought” alongside partners to secure this language and rallied new supporters, including Slovenia, to broaden the coalition.

“Our goal was clear: ensure the resolution reflects Morocco’s autonomy initiative without ambiguity,” he noted.

Beyond diplomacy, France is investing in Morocco’s southern provinces to support sustainable growth.

The ambassador highlighted a Dakhla wind farm, designed to power a major desalination plant, and the recent Dakhla Forum, which convened French and Moroccan business leaders. These initiatives underscore France’s intent to participate in Morocco’s renewable energy transition and regional development.

Industrial cooperation remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Renault’s plant in Tangier positions Morocco as a key automotive hub, while Safran’s aerospace operations in Casablanca strengthen shared value chains in high-tech sectors. “This is about building integrated ecosystems that benefit both countries,” Lecourtier said.

The Ambassador zoomed in on cultural cooperation. With 12 French Institutes and over 50 schools educating 50,000 students, the network aims to engage Moroccan youth through co-created cultural offerings.

“We want cultural initiatives that reflect collaboration, not a one-way dialogue,” Lecourtier explained, citing programs in performing arts, cinema, gaming, and visual arts.