Rabat – France has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s socio-economic growth in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, with French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier visiting the area Tuesday to announce new collaborative projects.
His visit demonstratesFrance’s commitment to bolstering economic and cultural ties in Morocco’s southern provinces, operationalizing France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty in the Western Sahara.
“We are working to fulfill France’s commitment to advancing development here,” Lecourtier told reporters, noting his delegation’s goal of creating concrete initiatives spanning economic, social, cultural, and educational fields.
The ambassador’s visit aligns with a message from French President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI, expressing support for Morocco’s territorial integrity in the region.
Lecourtier and his delegation attended discussions with regional leaders and received a detailed overview of the Regional Development Program (RDP), an initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and investment opportunities.
The ambassador also met with Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council President El Khattat Yanja, who reflected on France’s practical backing of Morocco’s vision for the area.
Yanja highlighted the significant interest of French investors accompanying the delegation, noting that the region holds substantial promise across sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture.
Since the launch of a new development model in 2015 by King Mohammed VI, Dakhla-Oued Eddahab has experienced transformative growth, creating a favorable climate for foreign investment.
In meetings with Ali Khalil, the region’s Wali, and Dakhla Municipal Council President Erragheb Hormatallah, Lecourtier discussed France’s plans to expand its investment footprint in the region.
The delegation reviewed various infrastructure projects with Mounir Houari, Director of the Regional Investment Center, who outlined the area’s growing investment appeal, supported by over 4.36 billion dirhams allocated for development initiatives.
This latest visit comes on the heels of Macron’s recent State trip to Morocco, where he reaffirmed France’s support for Morocco’s position in the Western Sahara.
During his address to the Moroccan Parliament, Macron spoke about France’s “strategic duty” to strengthen bilateral ties with Morocco and called for a deeper partnership to address shared challenges, including migration and regional stability.
Macron also extended an invitation to King Mohammed VI to sign a new strategic framework in 2025 in Paris, marking 70 years since Morocco gained independence.
In an additional diplomatic gesture, France has updated its official map to reflect Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, signaling a strengthened alignment with Moroccan interests.
This stance has, however, drawn criticism from Algeria, who finances and supports the pro-independence Sahrawi Polisario Front, intensifying diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Paris.
