Accra, Nov. 14, GNA — France has reaffirmed its unwavering stance that the present and future of Western Sahara fall strictly within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
The position was outlined by the spokesperson for the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs following high-level talks in Essaouira between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot.
According to the official statement, Paris maintains that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 constitutes “the only basis for reaching a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution” to the regional dispute.
During the deliberations, Minister Barrot emphasized the importance of maintaining active political dialogue and renewed France’s backing for United Nations-led mediation efforts, anchored on UN Resolution 2797.
The two ministers also reviewed the robust bilateral ties between Paris and Rabat, characterizing their relationship as an “exceptional and reinforced partnership.”
The meeting follows nearly two years after the historic State visit to Morocco by the French President, undertaken at the invitation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Both officials welcomed the dynamic momentum driving cooperation across multiple sectors, pointing to the upcoming prospect of concluding a comprehensive bilateral treaty between the two nations.
In addition to bilateral matters, Bourita and Barrot exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and international security issues, with particular focus on the Near and Middle East and the Sahel. Barrot reiterated France’s commitment to leveraging Paris-Rabat cooperation as a constructive tool for regional crisis resolution.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade