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Rabat – French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reiterated today his country’s position on the Western Sahara dossier, emphasizing that Paris’ position in favor of Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces is unwavering and unchanged.
Lecornu made his remarks at the 15th France-Morocco high-level meeting, taking place today in Rabat and convening representatives from a high-level delegation from the French and Moroccan governments.
“We fully understand the crucial importance of the Sahara issue for your country, and you know the clarity of our position. The President of the Republic expressed it in his letter to his majesty King Mohammed VI on Throne Day, on July 30, 2024. I reiterate today that this position is unwavering. It will not change, and as you know, we are acting accordingly,” Lecornu added.
On Morocco’s Throne Day on July 30, 2024, France took a pivotal step by officially recognizing the kingdom’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
In a letter addressed to King Mohammed VI, Macron expressed France’s unequivocal support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
According to the French president, Paris’s position is that “the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
He reiterated that France’s stance on the matter remains “consistent and unwavering,” aligning with the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007.
The autonomy initiative “constitutes the only basis for a political, fair, sustainable, and negotiated solution, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions,” Macron stressed.
The newfound position has opened a new chapter of bilateral ties between the two countries, with both increasingly committed to continuing to work to exchange visits and strengthen cooperation at all levels.
The recognition was followed by Macron’s state visit to Rabat, in which he met King Mohammed VI and chaired a meeting at which at least 22 agreements covering several sectors were signed.
Lecornu today reiterated the importance of bilateral ties and the new chapter the two countries are enjoying, stating Morocco and France “will continue to act together at a time when our world is undergoing profound change – not out of habit, but by choice, because we know we can rely on one another.”
