Macron Addresses Moroccan Parliament: A Vision for the Sahara, Africa, and the Future of Media
Today, Tuesday, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, delivered a speech before the Moroccan Parliament, where he renewed his country’s position in favor of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
Macron, who began a state visit to Morocco yesterday, Monday, told parliamentarians: “For France, the present and future of this region (meaning the Sahara) falls within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
He added: “Self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework for resolving this issue.”
The French President promised that his country would support Morocco’s position in international bodies, as well as that French investments would be directed to the Sahara “for the benefit of the local population.”
Macron explained that his country’s position “is not hostile to anyone,” noting that it is “opening a new page” of regional cooperation based on consultation, as he said.
African enterprises
The French President, whose country faces great difficulties in managing relations with its former colonies in Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed his country’s desire “to be inspired by Morocco’s initiatives in Africa, especially in the Sahel region.”
Macron said that France has the desire to “build new relations with the peoples and countries of Africa,” noting that Morocco, “with its geographical location, its history, its culture, and the vision of its kings, has confirmed its orientation since long ago as a unique platform, loop, and path.”
In this context, Macron expressed his desire to “build a new strategic partnership” with Morocco, which will enable the two countries to work together in the region.
Macron expressed his country’s intention to establish a “new partnership” with Africa, related to education, agriculture, environmental projects, digitization, and energy, before describing Morocco as a gateway and link to “desirable Africa.”
A new book
In the context of speaking about King Mohammed VI, Macron said that since he came to power a quarter of a century ago, he embodied “the continuity of one of the oldest monarchies in the world,” then described King Mohammed VI as “one of the faces of modernity industrial and technological.”
He added: “The Kingdom is moving forward with confidence, and it is confidence in itself and in its king, a confidence given to it by its long history and the energy of its many youth, which is strongly looking forward to keeping up with her youth. development,” noting that the tolerant Islam called for by King Mohammed VI “represents a challenge to all forms of extremism.”
The French President expressed his hope that his visit to Morocco would be a prelude to opening “a new chapter in our shared ancient history, which will enable our two countries to move forward with determination in this century of uncertainty, which at the same time requires . the richness of our friendship.”
A solid partnership
Meanwhile, Macron called for the development of “new partnerships” between France and Morocco, especially in the fields of economy, technology, education and art.
Macron expressed his conviction that “strengthening the common destiny between the two countries in basic areas will contribute to the development and management of the future.”
He emphasized the importance of the two countries establishing what he called a “strong strategic partnership” that will shape the next 25 years.
Macron spoke about the current cooperation relations between the two countries, especially regarding illegal immigration, and said that there is an urgent need for “smooth cooperation” in the consular field. He also stopped in the bilateral partnership in the field of security and combating smuggling of all kinds, terrorism, and organized crime, especially drug trafficking.
At the end of his speech, the French President said: “I believe that, in addition to our two countries, this new book also holds the possibility of writing a new page in the future and development of the African continent.”