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Rabat – Meeting with Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch on the sidelines of the ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allies’ Provence Landing on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region.
A key topic of Macron’s discussion with Akhannouch was the ongoing efforts to once and for all resolve the issue of Western Sahara, noted a statement from the Elysee, stressing that the French president reaffirmed the stance had conveyed in his letter to King Mohammed VI on Throne Day.
In his letter to the King last month, Macron said “the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
In his discussion with Akhannouch, “the President reaffirmed France’s commitment to working with Moroccan authorities on this crucial national security issue for Morocco,” added the statement from the Elysee.
For his part, Akhannouch welcomed France’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Western Sahara.
In addition, Macron expressed gratitude to Akhannouch for attending the anniversary events and highlighted the importance of honoring Moroccan soldiers who fought alongside French and Allied forces in Provence during World War II.
During the celebrations, Macron awarded Moroccan World War II veteran Larbi Jawa the title of “Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.” The 98-year-old veteran fought alongside the Allies during WWII and later in the First Indochina War.
Both Macron and Akhannouch also outlined plans for an ambitious bilateral roadmap aimed at enhancing the French-Moroccan partnership across economic, agricultural, energy, cultural, and educational sectors.
They stressed that the new partnership will emphasize initiatives for the youth in Morocco and across Africa.
“French-Moroccan cooperation is deemed essential to address major shared challenges, whether industrial, technological, or related to climate change,” concluded the statement.
