France will open next week a French Institute in Moroccan Saharan city of Laayoune, sending a strong message to the Algerian regime that French recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory is irreversible.
The French cultural center will be inaugurated by French culture minister Rachida Dati during her scheduled working visit (Feb.16-17) to the Moroccan Sahara.
During her trip, the French minister will meet her Moroccan peer Mehdi Bensaid, local officials, elected representatives and visit several socio-economic infrastructures in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, according to press reports.
Last November, French ambassador Christophe Lecourtier and a large French business delegation visited Dakhla and Laayoune to explore joint investment opportunities in fisheries, tourism, renewable energies, desalination, agriculture…
Their visit comes a few days after French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated full support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara territory.
During Macron’s visit to Rabat, French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said his country was interested in expanding partnership with Morocco, including in the Southern Provinces, the Sahara.
He also said France will extend its consular and cultural services to the Sahara territory.