Official Visit of Gérard Larcher to Morocco from February 23 to 26: A Strong Endorsement of Morocco’s Sovereignty over its Sahara
As part of strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Morocco and France, Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate and the second-highest official in France after President Emmanuel Macron, will make an official visit to Morocco from February 23 to 26, 2025. This visit carries significant symbolic and political weight, signaling growing French support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and marking a notable shift in Paris’s position on this crucial issue for the Kingdom.
At the invitation of Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the House of Councillors, Gérard Larcher will travel to Rabat and Laâyoune, accompanied by a high-level parliamentary delegation. This delegation includes Christian Cambon, President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group, Cédric Perrin, President of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Committee, as well as Hervé Marseille and Corinne Féret, Vice-Presidents of the Friendship Group.
Upon his arrival in Rabat, the President of the French Senate will meet with key Moroccan officials, including Rachid Talbi El Alami, President of the House of Representatives, Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs. These discussions will reaffirm both nations’ commitment to a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership.
A Clear Endorsement of Morocco’s Sovereignty over the Sahara
A major highlight of this visit will be Gérard Larcher’s trip to Laâyoune on February 25, at the heart of the southern provinces. This visit sends a strong signal of France’s evolving stance on the Sahara issue, aligning with the growing international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, recognized as a credible and realistic solution by the international community.
In Laâyoune, the Senate President will meet with local officials, the President of the Regional Council, and the President of the Municipal Council, highlighting the success of Morocco’s development model in the region. He will also deliver a key speech expected to reaffirm France’s commitment to a pragmatic and durable solution that respects Moroccan sovereignty.
Beyond diplomacy, this visit will also allow Gérard Larcher and his delegation to witness the significant socio-economic progress achieved in the region. Major infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development projects will be showcased, reflecting the transformation and prosperity of the southern provinces under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Strengthening France-Morocco Relations
This visit sends a clear message: the partnership between France and Morocco is strong and essential. Taking place at a crucial moment, it marks a new era of rapprochement between Rabat and Paris after a period of diplomatic tensions. It also underscores France’s recognition of Morocco’s strategic role in Africa and on the global stage.
By visiting the Moroccan Sahara, the President of the French Senate confirms a significant shift in France’s policy on the Sahara issue. This diplomatic turning point further strengthens Morocco’s international standing, affirming its role as a key regional player.
This historic visit by Gérard Larcher thus cements a renewed Franco-Moroccan friendship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and recognition of the Kingdom’s legitimate rights.
Le7tv
