THE AFRICA TIMES | MOROCCO —
Rabat – A delegation representing the southern regions of Morocco convened with members of the Groupe d’amitié France‑Maroc in Paris on Tuesday. The delegation included representatives from Laayoune‑Sakia El Hamra, Guelmim‑Oued Noun, and Dakhla‑Oued Eddahab.
This visit underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote development opportunities within Morocco’s southern territories.
French-Moroccan Ties Strengthened
Senator Olivier Bitz, Vice‑President of the friendship group, welcomed the Moroccan delegation. He emphasized the Senate’s dedication to bolstering French-Moroccan relations and reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region.
Bitz highlighted the Senate’s collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy in Paris to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Green March. He described the event as a celebration of the enduring friendship between France and Morocco.
Furthermore, Bitz recalled Senate President Gérard Larcher’s visit to Laayoune earlier this year. This visit demonstrated the institution’s commitment to strengthening relations through decentralized cooperation.
King Mohammed VI’s work to develop the southern provinces in Western Sahara was also lauded. Bitz acknowledged significant investments in economic development, renewable energy, higher education, and health sectors.
The Moroccan delegation was led by Laila Hammouchi, Director‑Governor at the Interior Ministry. It included M’barka Bouaida, Yanja El Khattat, and M. Mhamed Abba, representing various regions.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the discussions and explored enhanced bilateral cooperation. This collaboration may extend to economic investment, regional cooperation, and student and cultural mobility.
Read also: Morocco-France Economic Forum to Position Southern Provinces as New Investment Frontier
Investment and Development Opportunities
Senator Catherine Morin‑Desailly characterized the meeting as an opportunity to identify partnership areas. The Moroccan delegates highlighted the investment and development potential within the southern provinces.
These opportunities reflect progress under the monarchy’s regionalization policy. The delegation also engaged in discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot.
They are scheduled to meet with Hélène Laporte, head of the France‑Morocco friendship group at the French National Assembly.
France’s Position on Western Sahara
France’s diplomatic stance has shifted towards Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara issue. President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that the “present and future” of Western Sahara fall within Moroccan sovereignty in a letter.
Macron reaffirmed support for the 2007 Autonomy Plan proposed by Rabat. He stated that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty “constitutes the only basis for a just, lasting and negotiated political solution.”
Macron added that French operators and businesses would contribute to the development of the southern provinces. These sustainable investments aim to benefit local populations.
Moreover, the French Agency for Development will invest €150 million ($175 million) in the Western Sahara. This investment showcases a commitment to the region’s social and economic advancement.
Therefore, the delegation’s presence in Paris and meetings with French officials hold significant political weight.
This occurs as Paris aligns with Rabat’s vision of regional autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Several international actors, including the US, have expressed readiness to support development in the region.
