France reaffirms support for Moroccan sovereignty in Essaouira
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lebrief, Le Matin, La Vie éco and Yabiladi
France reaffirmed on Friday in Essaouira its support for a political solution to the Sahara based on Moroccan sovereignty. Paris considers the autonomy plan proposed by Rabat in 2007 the only basis for a fair, lasting and negotiated solution, according to Lebrief.
The statement issued after talks between Nasser Bourita and Jean-Noël Barrot presents Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan as “the only basis for achieving a fair, lasting and negotiated political solution”. Paris also considers that the present and future of the Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
Jean-Noël Barrot called for continued dialogue and renewed his support for United Nations efforts based on Resolution 2797. The two ministers also reviewed the “reinforced exceptional partnership” between France and Morocco, nearly two years after the French president’s state visit to Morocco.
They welcomed the prospect of concluding a bilateral treaty and discussed the momentum of their cooperation in several areas. Barrot and Bourita also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, notably in the Near East and Middle East and the Sahel, with the French minister reaffirming his desire to put Franco-Moroccan cooperation at the service of resolving crises.
