In an exclusive interview with Assahifa Arabic, former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls discussed recent shifts in the French and Spanish positions on the Moroccan Sahara issue. Valls had previously urged Paris and Madrid to support Rabat as a crucial partner in stabilizing the Mediterranean region and sub-Saharan Africa.
Valls explained that the current French position recognizes the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the sole solution to the Sahara conflict, considering this recognition not as a shift but as a reaffirmation of a historical stance supporting the Moroccan autonomy plan.
He pointed out that relations between France and Morocco needed a strong boost to restore their vitality after a period of stagnation.
Valls downplayed the significance of Algeria's anger over France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, noting that this recognition serves the interests of France and Morocco more than any other party.
He emphasized that Algeria should focus on its internal challenges rather than objecting to the decisions of others.
Valls also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between France and Morocco in various fields, noting that Morocco plays an important role in Africa and on the international stage, which necessitates building strategic relations with it.
Valls praised the political consensus in France on supporting the Moroccan Sahara, considering this step as contributing to enhancing economic cooperation and investment between the two countries.
Valls believes that relations with Algeria should not be affected by current disputes, stressing the importance of continued cooperation in counter-terrorism and humanitarian issues. He asserted that current tensions should not negatively impact French interests in Algeria, calling on Algerian authorities to act with wisdom and calmness.
Valls expressed optimism about the future of economic relations between France and Morocco, indicating that cooperation in education and culture should be prioritized, with new investment opportunities being seized, especially in the Moroccan Sahara region, which is experiencing rapid economic development.
