French Minister Delegate for Gender Equality and the Fight against Discrimination, Aurore Bergé, on Monday reiterated her country’s steadfast position on the Moroccan Sahara, affirming that the present and future of the Sahara “lie fully within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
“I wish to firmly reiterate the clear and unwavering position expressed by the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron: the present and the future of the Sahara lie fully within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” Bergé told the press following her talks in Rabat with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
She also said that her visit to Morocco reflects the reinforced exceptional partnership spurred by President Macron and His Majesty King Mohammed VI, adding that “this partnership marks a new chapter between our two countries—one we are building together, for the long term.”
“This visit embodies a spirit of responsibility and seriousness regarding issues of common interest,” she continued, expressing her belief that France and Morocco are committed to advancing together within a model of equality and shared development for the coming decades.
Bergé also underlined that Morocco has embarked, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, on “a decisive political, economic and social modernization, as evidenced by the major reform of the Family Code.”
“Our two countries have much to learn from one another. In facing the great challenges of our time—economic, social, demographic, climate-related, and security—I am convinced that our futures are closely intertwined,” she said.
On the subject of women’s rights, Bergé affirmed that Morocco constitutes “a key partner” within the framework of “feminist diplomacy,” noting that the two countries are working together to strengthen their cooperation in combating all forms of violence against women.
MAP: 23 June 2025
