Morocco and France pledge to strengthen bilateral ties after France backs Morocco's claims to Western Sahara

Ambassador Samira Sitaïl, Morocco’s representative in France, met with French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin this week to enhance their growing relations. The talks focused on security cooperation and exploring ways to further solidify bilateral ties, according to a statement from the Moroccan embassy in Paris on social media platform X.

This meeting follows France’s official recognition of Morocco’s plan for Western Sahara. In a letter to King Mohammed VI marking the 25th anniversary of his ascension, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed France’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory.

In a recent interview with French media, Ambassador Sitaïl emphasized the importance of building trust and addressing key issues to enhance the partnership.

The ambassador's meeting with Darmanin is part of a series of visits by high-ranking French officials to Morocco, aiming to repair and strengthen bilateral ties.

Notably, French Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné visited in April, stressing the importance of mending relations and addressing the Western Sahara issue. French Delegate Minister for Foreign Trade, Franck Riester, also visited, announcing the French Development Agency's interest in financing regional development projects.

Darmanin’s recent visit to Morocco included discussions on security cooperation with Moroccan officials, addressing organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, irregular migration, and human trafficking.