France reiterated on Friday its “unwavering” position that “the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” according to a statement from the spokesperson for the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Issued following a meeting in Essaouira between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita and his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot, this statement emphasizes that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 constitutes “the only basis for reaching a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution.”
The French minister also called for the continuation of dialogue, renewing his support for the United Nations’ efforts, based on Resolution 2797.
The statement also notes that Barrot and Bourita took stock of the “reinforced exceptional partnership” between France and Morocco, nearly two years after the President of the Republic’s State visit to Morocco, made at the invitation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
In this context, the two ministers discussed the many areas where France-Morocco relations are experiencing a “particularly fruitful momentum,” welcoming the prospect of concluding a bilateral France-Morocco treaty.
According to the same source, the two ministers also tackled regional and international issues of mutual interest, particularly the situation in the Near and Middle East as well as in the Sahel, with Barrot reaffirming his commitment to using France-Morocco cooperation to help resolve crises.