France reiterated on Friday its “unwavering” position that “the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” and that Autonomy is the only basis for reaching a political solution to the issue.
This came in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a meeting in Essaouira between the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita. The statement emphasized that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 constitutes “the only basis for reaching a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution.”
The French official also called for the continuation of dialogue, renewing his support for the United Nations’ efforts, based on Resolution 2797.
The statement also notes that Barrot and Bourita took stock of the “reinforced exceptional partnership” between France and Morocco, nearly two years after the French President’s State visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.
During their meeting, the two officials discussed the many areas where France-Morocco relations are experiencing a “particularly fruitful momentum,” and welcomed the prospect of concluding a bilateral treaty.
The two officials also tackled regional and international issues of mutual interest, particularly the situation in the Near and Middle East as well as in the Sahel, with Barrot reaffirming his commitment to using France-Morocco cooperation to help resolve crises.
Jean-Noël Barrot was on a visit to Morocco to take part in the 3rd World Forum of Women for Peace held in Essaouira November 13-14.
Speaking at a high-level panel held as part of under the theme “Bringing diplomacy and civil society together to build peace”, Barrot highlighted the values of coexistence, tolerance and dialogue that “make the Kingdom of Morocco a unique meeting place for cultures and a bulwark against intolerance, discrimination and hatred.”
Paying special tribute to the city of Essaouira, its millennia-old history and the richness of its plural identity, the head of French diplomacy also commended the important role played by Bayt Dakira in preserving this shared heritage.
“Essaouira stands as a bulwark against hate speech and various forms of intolerance, at a time when the international landscape is marked by an increase in conflicts and the rise of a culture of war, based on viewing the other as an enemy and resorting to force rather than dialogue and the rule of law,” he noted.
In response to this reality, the French official called for the emergence of a new culture of peace, welcoming the commitment shown by women and young people, as well as activists, artists and journalists who, including in conflict zones, continue to defend dignity, justice and coexistence around the world.
Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Barrot underscored the decisive role played by Israeli and Palestinian civil societies in keeping alive the prospect of a two-state solution.
In this regard, he recalled the meetings held in Paris between representatives of the two civil societies, whose proposals helped draft the New York Declaration, adopted in September 2025 by the United Nations General Assembly.
“Without the perseverance of civil society (…), I am convinced that the two-state solution would probably have disappeared from the political horizon,” he said, noting that grassroots actors had demonstrated that Israelis and Palestinians can engage in dialogue, listen to one another and put forward proposals for building a shared future.
The 3rd edition of the World Forum of Women for Peace, brings together committed women, political leaders, diplomats and civil society representatives to discuss issues relating to dialogue, conflict prevention and women’s participation in building lasting peace.
