French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné reiterated, on Monday in Rabat, his country’s “clear and constant” support for the Moroccan autonomy plan in the Southern provinces, emphasizing that it is time for France to move forward on this issue.
France was the first country to support the autonomy plan in 2007, Séjourné indicated during a joint press conference with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, noting that “in the logical continuity of this commitment, it is time to move forward.” Beyond political positions, he stated that France advances through concrete actions.
“France also wants to move forward by taking into account the interests and needs present, particularly in the educational and cultural domains,” he noted, pointing out that there are two French schools in Dakhla and Laayoune. He specified that the Institut Français recently deployed, in close collaboration with local partners, a mobile cultural center in Laayoune, Boujdour, and Dakhla, which has been very successful.
Séjourné emphasized that France also aims to advance by promoting economic and social development in the Southern provinces of the Kingdom.
“France will support the development of this region, backing Morocco’s efforts in various fields,” he concluded, while recalling that Morocco has invested significantly in development projects benefiting local populations, particularly in training, renewable energy, tourism, and blue economy for aquatic resources.