France Seeks to Mend Ties with Morocco, New Foreign Minister Prioritizes Diplomacy

The restoration of relations between France and Morocco is one of Stéphane Séjourné’s priorities. "We have had several contacts with the Moroccans since my arrival. The President of the Republic has personally asked me to get involved in the Franco-Moroccan relationship and to also write a new chapter in our relationship. I will focus on this," he said in a statement to Ouest France.

On the Sahara issue, the new head of French diplomacy recalled that "France’s clear and constant support for the Moroccan autonomy plan has been a reality since 2007," adding "that it is now time to move forward." "I will do everything in the coming weeks and months for France and Morocco to get closer," he said.

The relationship between Morocco and France has been experiencing strong tensions in recent years for various reasons, including the rapprochement with Algeria, Morocco’s neighboring rival. Morocco’s refusal of French aid after the devastating earthquake of September 8 revealed the intensity of the crisis between Rabat and Paris.

The thawing of the tension began in November, with the conciliatory remarks of the French ambassador to Morocco in November, which led to the appointment by Morocco of an ambassador (Samira Sitail) to France, a position that had remained vacant for months.