The French statement comes amid Morocco’s frustration regarding its exclusion from the Berlin conference on Libya.
Rabat – The French government has recognized the efforts Morocco has deployed to help resolve the crisis in Libya.
The recognition came from French President Emmanuel Macron who had a phone call with King Mohammed VI on January 18 about the situation in Libya, a statement from the royal cabinet reported.
The phone call focused on the Libyan crisis, which will be the central focus of the Berlin symposium scheduled for Sunday, January 19.
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“The important role of the Kingdom of Morocco and its recognized efforts over many years to resolve the crisis in this Maghreb country were underscored,” the statement from the royal office said.
The phone conversation comes after amid Morocco expressed its “astonishment” at its exclusion from the Berlin conference on Libya.
Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the country’s exclusion from the event, recalling the important role Rabat played, through the Skhirat Agreement, to find a lasting resolution to the security and political quagmire in Libya.
“The Kingdom of Morocco understands neither the criteria nor the motivations behind the choice of countries participating in this meeting,” the ministry said.
The statement, for its tone of frustration and dissatisfaction, reiterated Morocco’s strong commitment and determination to continue to contribute to the political efforts towards finding a solution to the Libyan crisis.
Morocco convened the political parties from Libya in December 2017 in the coastal city of Skhirat, where a peace agreement was signed. The deal between the Libyan parties served as the only basis for negotiation to find a political solution to the conflict.
Morocco also reiterated its policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries, condemning foreign military intervention in the region.
Rabat also warned that military intervention might cause more escalation.
The phone conversation between Macron and King Mohammed VI comes a few weeks before the visit of the French President in Morocco.
Macron is set to arrive in Rabat on February 12 at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.
Rabat and Paris seek to renew their determination to reinforce diplomatic relations during Macron’s two-day visit.
