France's position on the Sahara issue is influencing other European countries to “start to change their minds,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
In an interview with 2M and Medi1 TV channels, broadcast on Wednesday evening, Macron emphasized that for France, it is a matter of “resolutely and diplomatically committing ourselves alongside Morocco so as the present and future of Southern Provinces are indeed part of Moroccan sovereignty”.
“It is a really important diplomatic move, obviously for Morocco, for our bilateral relationship, but also for the whole region,” the French President insisted during this interview held on the occasion of his state visit to the Kingdom at the invitation of the King.
“It is why I also wanted to state in the parliament: this is a decision that France is in no way taking against whoever, but it must help achieve better regional integration, better stabilization of the Sahara, and hence of the Sahel,” he continued.
In this sense, he noted that “the entire region requires stability, commitment, seriousness, strength and confidence,” recalling in the same vein the substantial investments made by Morocco under the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to promote development and stability in this region. “I think the neighbors are aware of this.”
France's position is also a concrete commitment, insofar as the French Development Agency (AFD) and French companies “will not solely continue to invest, but will increase investment in Southern Provinces in important projects for the benefit of the populations,” he affirmed.
For Macron, it is also a “choice for the future,” reflected in a host of major projects in various fields (desalination, ports, infrastructure development and energy promotion, among others).
The French President also tackled the “unique history” between the Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic, reiterating the shared destiny of the two countries.
In this respect, he welcomed the various agreements and contracts, both governmental and private, signed between the two countries during this state visit, including the 22 agreements inked during the ceremony chaired by HM the King and the French President, deeming these agreements as a testimony to a “renewed trust.”
Macron also highlighted the Kingdom's strengths in developing and producing renewable energies, as well as the potential for cooperation and investment that this sector offers for both countries.
“Morocco is one of the world's leading producers of renewable energies, and will become even more so in the future,” he stated, highlighting the “proactive” policy of His Majesty the King in the promotion of wind and solar power.
According to the French President, partnership and cooperation in this field are likely to “be mutually beneficial, that is to say, to propel Morocco into a major partner in the decarbonization of our economy, and to help create wealth and value” on both sides of the Mediterranean sea.
“What I'm stating about energy is good for both sides. It is indeed a partnership of equals since it allows both Morocco and France to thrive. And I also believe it turns our two countries into platforms bringing back to two continents, with very coherent strategies,” Macron explained.
Referring to the warm welcome extended to him on his arrival in the Kingdom by the Sovereign, members of the illustrious Royal Family and residents of the capital and region, President Macron described these moments as “very touching.”
“Being welcomed on Moroccan soil by His Majesty the King with his family was a gesture that touched me deeply, that touched both my wife and the members of my delegation, and the way it felt evident in that moment,” Macron said with emotion. “For me, those moments were very touching as they were heart-to-heart and face-to-face.”
“We've established a lot to get to this point. And when I say that, I say to myself, there's a kind of spontaneity, a momentum that reflects how evident our relationship is, a relationship we will continue nurturing,” the French President concluded.
