Bourita and Barrot reaffirm Morocco-France partnership in Essaouira
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Maroc Diplomatique
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot held talks in Essaouira to reaffirm the enhanced exceptional partnership signed in October 2024 by Mohammed VI and Emmanuel Macron, according to Maroc Diplomatique. The two officials reviewed political, economic and cultural cooperation and showed convergence on a two-state solution in the Middle East.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed on Friday in Essaouira France’s support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative for the Sahara, which he considers the « sole basis » for negotiations to resolve the conflict. He also said that the present and future of the Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, according to Maroc Diplomatique, citing the meeting with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.
The two ministers also agreed to continue coordinating on shared strategic priorities in the Maghreb, the Sahel, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They notably reaffirmed their convergence on the situation in the Middle East and their commitment to a two-state solution, according to the same source.
France’s position on the Sahara had been reaffirmed during a UN Security Council session on 30 October 2026, according to Maroc Diplomatique.
