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France signals consular presence in Morocco’s Sahara region
During a visit to Laâyoune, in the heart of Morocco’s Sahara region, Gérard Larcher, president of the French Senate, announced on Monday, February 24, the forthcoming establishment of a "consular orientation" in the area. This move signifies a notable shift in the dynamics between Paris and Rabat.
This visit reaffirmed France's unwavering stance on Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. "France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara is non-negotiable," stated Larcher in Rabat, following his meeting with the president of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (Corcas). He praised Morocco’s autonomy plan for the region, describing it as "a perspective that allows for the construction of both the present and the future of this region of Morocco."
"I wish to reiterate: this is not merely the position of a government or executive body; it is indeed the policy of France," Larcher emphasized. He highlighted France’s deep understanding of the region and stressed its responsibility to articulate the stakes on the international stage.
Larcher was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Christian Cambon, president of the France-Morocco friendship group; Cédric Perrin, president of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces; and Christophe Lecourtier, France’s ambassador to Rabat. His presence in Laâyoune underscored France’s firm position on the Sahara issue.
In Morocco, this declaration is seen as a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Rabat and Paris, aligning with the diplomatic trend of several states establishing representations in Laâyoune and Dakhla. On the international stage, this development is expected to spark considerable commentary.