France set to expand consular, cultural presence in Moroccan Sahara – French FM

France intends to increase its consular and cultural presence in the Moroccan Sahara, in order to create a French alliance, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot announced in Rabat on Tuesday.

“We are going to increase our consular and cultural presence there, in order to create a French alliance,” said Barrot, during a press briefing following his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.

The head of French diplomacy took the opportunity to reiterate his country’s determination to promote the Morocco-French partnership throughout the Kingdom, including the Moroccan Sahara, recalling the words of President Macron, who reiterated in a speech on Tuesday before a joint session of the two Houses of Parliament that the present and future of the Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.

“We’ve put words into action, and I’m pleased to announce that Morocco’s map has been updated and put online on the website of the (French) Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs,” said Barrot.

French companies will be supporting the development of these regions through investments and sustainable initiatives that benefit local populations, he said, adding that the French ambassador to Morocco will be visiting the southern provinces next week. “We are going to increase our consular and cultural presence there, with a view to creating a French alliance,” he insisted.

The French minister stated that his country will be at Morocco’s side “to promote a just and lasting political solution, of which the 2007 autonomy plan is the only basis.”