King Mohammed VI "fully appreciates France's clear support" for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara

The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, sent a message to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, expressing "full appreciation for the clear French support" for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. 

The French head of state officially expressed France's support for the proposal of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty for Western Sahara as the best option for settling the Sahrawi dispute. In this sense, France officially recognised that "the present and the future of the Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty". 

In doing so, France has followed in the footsteps of more than 100 other countries that have shown their support for the Moroccan proposal for Western Sahara as the most "serious, credible and realistic" option for settling the Saharawi dispute, while respecting UN resolutions. 

"I thank you for your warm wishes and your personal commitment to strengthening the partnership between our two countries," King Mohammed VI said. "I am particularly pleased with the clear and firm position that France takes, in your message, on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara," he added. 

"I fully appreciate the clear support your country gives to Morocco's sovereignty over this part of our territory, and the firmness of France's support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a way out of this regional conflict, thus enshrining the plan proposed by Morocco, already in 2007, as the only basis for achieving it," said the Alaouite monarch, who also indicated that "by recognising Morocco's legal ownership and immemorial rights, France contributes to reinforcing the international momentum already exerted by many countries". 

Here is the full text of His Majesty the King's message:  

“Mr President of the Republic,  

I have received with interest the important message you have kindly addressed to me on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Throne Festival.  

I thank you for your warm wishes and your personal commitment to strengthening the partnership between our two countries.  

I am particularly pleased with the clear and firm position France takes, in your message, on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara.  

I fully appreciate the clear support your country gives to Morocco's sovereignty over this part of our territory, and the firmness of France's support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a way out of this regional conflict, thus enshrining the plan proposed by Morocco, already in 2007, as the only basis for achieving it.  

By recognising Morocco's legal ownership and immemorial rights, France is helping to reinforce the international momentum already exerted by many countries, and thus to put an end to a conflict inherited from another era.  

Thanks to the significant evolution of France's position and its determination to act accordingly, both internally and internationally, our two countries will be able to work together to reach a solution which, within the framework of the United Nations, fully respects Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.  

The Moroccan people and its main forces are fully aware of the importance of this decision, which comes from a permanent member of the Security Council, who is intimately familiar with the past and present of North Africa and a privileged witness to the evolution of this regional dispute.  

In this context, and thanks to the positive momentum of our bilateral relations, promising prospects are opening up for our two countries in many strategic sectors, which will enable us to strengthen the exceptional partnership built up over decades on the basis of friendship and trust.  

In this regard, and as mentioned in our previous exchanges, I will be pleased to receive you in Morocco in the framework of a State visit, the dates of which will be decided through diplomatic channels.  

I take this opportunity to reiterate to you, Mr President, my highest consideration".