Laayoune: The new perspective France has on the Sahara issue, along with the evolution of its position is “evident, a fundamental truth,” Speaker of the French Senate G©rard Larcher affirmed on Monday evening in Laayoune. Speaking during a meeting attended by Morocco’s Upper House Speaker Mohamed Ould Errachid, the Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region and Governor of Laayoune province, Abdeslam Bekrate, and the governors of the provinces of the region, Larcher stated that “this truth has undergone a long process of maturation.”

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the Senate had worked early on to initiate a diplomatic effort ensuring that France, which has always supported Morocco in its fundamental challenges, would take into account the developments since 2007 and put aside any ambiguity. The French Senate Speaker highlighted that France’s support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the one and only framework for resolution is firmly established and represents the stance of French institutions in their diversity. “This support is not the result of a government policy but is now the policy of the French Republic.”

Furthermore, Larcher emphasized that he, along with the members of the accompanying delegation, were deeply impressed by the remarkable growth of the Laayoune region, in line with His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s will, particularly in infrastructure, social facilities, and the ongoing pursuit of sustainable development. He noted that the southern provinces serve as a model of success for the entire Sahel-Saharan region, which is facing tensions.

“This model aligns with Morocco’s geostrategic vision, and represents an opportunity to open up and develop the States surrounding the Kingdom,” Larcher explained.