French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, has reiterated France’s firm support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom as the "only realistic and credible solution" to the longstanding dispute.

Speaking on Wednesday before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, Barrot emphasized that “the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”

 He reaffirmed that France’s position, expressed at the highest levels of government, remains unchanged and consistent.

“There are no other realistic or credible solutions today,” Barrot said, adding that the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco is “part of a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of the United Nations.” He also expressed support for ongoing UN efforts to facilitate dialogue on the matter.

Barrot noted that he would soon meet with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Paris to further discuss the issue, in line with the bilateral ties and shared vision between both nations.

The French minister's remarks follow earlier statements made by President Emmanuel Macron, who in a message to King Mohammed VI in July 2024, reaffirmed that “France considers that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”

Macron also underlined this position during a historic address before the Moroccan Parliament on October 29, 2024, during his state visit to the Kingdom, calling the matter one of “national security” for Morocco and affirming France’s alignment with the Kingdom’s sovereignty claims.