In a statement released on Tuesday by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a meeting between French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, France reaffirmed its «steadfast» position on the Sahara issue. The statement reiterates the position expressed by President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI in his letter dated July 30, 2024, emphasizing that «for France, the present and future of Western Sahara are within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty». It also recalls «the steadfastness of France's position» and its commitment to «act consistently with this stance both nationally and internationally». Furthermore, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs reiterated «clear and consistent support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty» as «the only framework within which this issue should be resolved», highlighting that it is «the sole basis» for reaching a political solution, as stated in the communiqué. Noting the «increasingly broad international consensus» in support of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that France intends to fully play its part in this process. Additionally, France reaffirmed its commitment «to support Morocco's significant efforts towards economic and social development» in the southern provinces, recalling the various measures taken in this regard and expressing its desire to continue this momentum.
