Paris: French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-No«l Barrot reiterated France’s position, expressed at the highest levels of government, supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. “Just a few months ago, we made clear our position: the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, as a direct consequence of the Moroccan autonomy plan,” Barrot stated during a hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Barrot emphasized that there are no other realistic or credible solutions today, and highlighted this stance as part of a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of the United Nations. He affirmed France’s support for UN efforts towards dialogue on this matter. Barrot also mentioned an upcoming meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Paris to further discuss the issue.

French President Emmanuel Macron had previously communicated this stance in a message to His Majesty King Mohammed VI in July 2024, emphasizing that France views the future of Western Sahara within the scope of Moroccan sovereignty. Macron highlighted this position as crucial for the national security of the Kingdom and committed to aligning France’s national and international actions with this stance.

Macron reiterated France’s position during a historic address before the Moroccan Parliament on October 29, as part of his state visit to the Kingdom. In his address, he reaffirmed that for France, the future of Western Sahara should be resolved under Moroccan sovereignty, with autonomy being the framework for this resolution.