During his official visit to Morocco, French Senate President Gérard Larcher announced plans to expand France's consular presence in the Sahara. «Our consular activities will be extended there», Larcher stated during a speech delivered on Monday evening in Laayoune, in the presence of Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the House of Advisors, the President of the Laayoune region, and other notable figures from the city. He also emphasized, «The launch of the French Alliance in Laayoune reflects our country's commitment to cultural and educational engagement in your regions». ? C'est officiel... Le président du Sénat français, Gérard Larcher, annonce à Laâyoune qu'une "orientation consulaire sera bientôt mise en œuvre au Sahara Marocain" ??????#Maroc #المغرب_أولا #Morocco #Macron #SaharaMarocain #Dakhla pic.twitter.com/eZuBs86mHt — Morocco First ?? (@TheRealMarroqui) February 24, 2025 This move aligns with France's intent to deepen cooperation with Morocco in the southern provinces. It follows France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara in a letter signed by President Emmanuel Macron last summer. This recognition was followed by a visit from Macron to Morocco and a recent one by French Culture Minister to the Kingdom's southern provinces. During his visit this week, Larcher reaffirmed France's unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, calling it «non-negotiable». Before heading to Laayoune, Larcher met with Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and attended a joint press conference following discussions with Mohamed Ould Errachid, the Speaker of Morocco's Upper House. Larcher noted that the purpose of his visit was to begin a «new parliamentary chapter» in the evolving relationship between the two countries.
