France’s new ambassador to Morocco Philippe Lalliot has started his diplomatic mission in the Kingdom with a trip to Laayoune, capital of Moroccan Sahara, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Christophe Lecourtier who travelled in 2024 to the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune.
The visits of the two ambassadors to Morocco’s Southern provinces show the importance Paris grants to this region, gateway to African markets, and demonstrate France recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory.
During his trip to Laayoune Wednesday, Ambassador Lalliot held meetings with the Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region & Governor of Laayoune Province, the Pdt. of the Municipal Council, and the Pdt. of the Regional Council.
Talks focused on the socioeconomic development projects launched in the region and the Moroccan-French cooperation prospects in investment, culture and education as well as the exchange of expertise between the two countries’ local institutions and councils.
The French ambassador and his accompanying delegation visited several major projects and facilities in the region, including the City of Trades and Skills (CMC), the Laayoune University Hospital and the local Library.
Earlier in the day, Lalliot inaugurated the French Alliance of Laayoune, an institution seeking to promote the French language, foster intercultural dialogue and artistic creations.
The Laayoune French Alliance will contribute to promoting and preserving the tangible and intangible Sahrawi heritage and arts. The new institution comes after those launched in Safi and Ouarzazate, marking a milestone in strengthening cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries.
According to the French ambassador, the inauguration of the new French Alliance is a tangible evidence of the growing ties between Moroccan and French societies, peoples, and youth through education, language, and the arts.
