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Rabat – French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier has acknowledged the slow but steady process of aligning France’s foreign policy with Morocco’s stance on key issues, notably the Western Sahara.
Speaking during the inauguration of Moroccan Innovation Circle (MIC) in Rabat on Thursday, Lecourtier noted that although it took time, France has now fully embraced Morocco’s position and is committed to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
“We convinced our authorities, including the President of the Republic, that it was not too late to catch up with the Moroccan train,” he said.
Diplomatic relations between Paris and Rabat had been strained for several years, much due to France’s reluctance to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
Lecourtier explained that at first, there was a gap in understanding, partly due to France’s diplomatic stance and its historical ties with the region. “We first lost our way in a somewhat aggressive manner. We realized that it wasn’t just that the paths had diverged, but that we could no longer understand each other,” the ambassador explained. This resulted in France having a more cautious stance, which did not align with the North African country’s aspirations.
Morocco, on the other hand, has always remained firm in its position on the Western Sahara, and the situation became increasingly difficult as the divide between the two countries widened.
France “gave the impression of drifting away, while a stronger consensus was forming, embracing the kingdom and all that it was achieving through its actions,” the ambassador said.
However, the ambassador noted that this period of tension was not permanent. Over time, France realized the importance of aligning its policies with the evolving realities in Morocco and internationally, especially in light of the momentum Morocco’s autonomy plan has been gaining.
France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan last July. President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to King Mohammed VI on the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne to convey France’s new position.
Since then, the two countries have expressed commitment to open a new chapter in bilateral ties and boost cooperation in various fields.
Macron and France’s first lady arrived in Morocco for an official visit to Morocco after an invitation by King Mohammed VI. During the three-day visit, 22 agreements with signed covering various sectors, including food security, energy, and infrastructure.
Valued at €10 billion, these agreements aim to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Morocco and France and lay the foundation for future cooperation.
In his remarks on Thursday, Lecourtier recognized King Mohammed VI’s successful efforts in securing the release of two French nationals detained in Burkina Faso earlier this month.
The ambassador also touched on several areas of cooperation between France and Morocco. One key area of focus was the role of exchange students in fostering better ties between the two countries.
The ambassador pointed out that many Moroccan students are currently studying in France, which contributes to a deeper understanding and stronger cultural exchange. These students, he said, are the future ambassadors who will help bridge the gap and build even stronger relations in the years to come.
Lecourtier added that this exchange of ideas, knowledge, and expertise is crucial to the continued success of bilateral ties.
Another topic the ambassador discussed was the ways in which Morocco and France are working together in the field of renewable energy. Morocco has made significant strides in developing sustainable energy solutions, particularly in solar and wind power, and France is increasingly supporting these efforts, he noted.
He also mentioned that France and Morocco are collaborating towards developing the automotive industry, as the European country looks to producing cars
