- Foreign Ministers Nasser Bourita and Jean-Noël Barrot Welcome Deepening Bilateral Ties During Meeting in Essaouira
- France Reiterates Firm Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over the Sahara and Endorses Autonomy Initiative as the Sole Basis for Negotiations
ESSAOUIRA: Morocco and France have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their strategic partnership, deepening bilateral cooperation and enhancing coordination on regional and international issues following a high-level meeting between Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday in Essaouira.
The meeting reflected the positive momentum in relations between the two countries under the framework of the Reinforced Exceptional Partnership, established on October 28, 2024, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The two foreign ministers welcomed the growing strength of the longstanding bonds of friendship, trust and cooperation between Rabat and Paris, highlighting the shared commitment of King Mohammed VI and President Macron to advancing bilateral relations towards a more ambitious and comprehensive strategic partnership.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation and Economic Engagement
During their discussions, Bourita and Barrot reviewed the broad spectrum of Morocco-France cooperation, particularly in the political, economic, cultural and human development sectors.
They explored opportunities to further expand bilateral engagement and strengthen existing partnerships in line with the common ambitions and expectations of both countries.
Both ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining close political consultations and building on the positive momentum generated by the Reinforced Exceptional Partnership to promote sustainable development, economic opportunities and stronger institutional cooperation.
Shared Commitment to Regional Peace and Stability
The two ministers also welcomed their convergence of views on major regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and efforts to advance a two-state solution.
They reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region, underscoring the importance of diplomatic engagement and international cooperation in addressing ongoing challenges.
Recognising the strategic importance of their partnership, Bourita and Barrot agreed to maintain and deepen coordination on shared priorities relating to peace, stability and development across the Maghreb, the Sahel, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
France Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over the Sahara
A major highlight of the meeting was France’s reaffirmation of its position on the Moroccan Sahara issue.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated France’s clear and consistent position, declaring that “the present and future of the Sahara are part of Moroccan sovereignty.”
He further reaffirmed France’s support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the “single basis” for negotiations aimed at achieving a definitive political settlement of the regional dispute.
The French position is consistent with the stance recently reaffirmed by Paris at the United Nations Security Council meeting on October 30, 2026.
France’s renewed declaration underscores the strategic importance Paris attaches to its partnership with Rabat and reflects the continued strengthening of diplomatic coordination between the two countries.
The Essaouira meeting marks another significant step in consolidating Morocco-France relations, highlighting the shared determination of both governments to advance their exceptional partnership through political trust, economic cooperation, diplomatic coordination and a common vision for regional stability and development.
BY: The Times Union
