Rabat – French President Emmanuel Macron said France’s position on the Sahara dispute is reshaping diplomatic dynamics among European countries.
Macron made his remarks during an interview with Moroccan television channels 2M and Medi1 TV on Wednesday.
In the interview, Macron said that France’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces is influencing other European countries that “were beginning to change their choices.”
“This is truly an important diplomatic movement. I say this obviously for Morocco for our bilateral relationship, but also for the entire region,” he said, noting that his country is committed to support Rabat in its cause.
In July, Macron announced his country’s historic decision, stating that the present and future falls within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The French president reaffirmed the steadfast position in Morocco during a historic speech on Tuesday.
“And I think, of course, first and foremost of Western Sahara, regarding which I wished to clarify my vision on behalf of France…. I reaffirm here that for France, the present and future of this territory fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” Macron said in his address to Parliament.
He specified that Morococ’s Autonomy Plan under Morocco’s sovereignty is the context in which the dispute must be resolved.
“The 2027 autonomy plan constitutes the sole basis for achieving a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions,” he said.
Macron reiterated the same position during his recent TV interview, saying that the decision that France took does not take against anyone.
“It must help to promote better regional integration, better stabilization of the Sahara, and consequently, the Sahel,” Macron told the press, emphasizing the need for shared commitment and seriousness to strengthen stability in the entire region.
In the interview, Macron commended the new chapter opened as part of his recent State visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, noting that both countries share a destiny that binds the two nations.
Macron also expressed satisfaction with an agreement signed during the visit – worth 10 billion euros – that covers multiple sectors including energy and infrastructure.
“Morocco is one of the major producers and will become an even greater global producer of renewables,” he said, highlighting the country’s energy assets and the potential for Rabat and Paris to work together and invest in the sector.
