The French Foreign Ministry said Thursday it is committed to maintaining strong cooperation with Algeria across various sectors, including the economy, culture, and security.
This statement comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between France and Morocco following Paris’ endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently declared in a letter to King Mohammed VI that “the present and future of Western Sahara are within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” effectively dismissing the Polisario Front’s ambitions for secession.
In response, Algeria recalled its ambassador in protest against France’s policy shift.
The French ministry pointed to the comprehensive cooperation agreement signed by Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during Macron’s visit to Algeria in August 2022 as a basis for repairing the relationship between the two countries.
However, the Western Sahara issue has overshadowed these efforts. Macron’s endorsement of Morocco’s position, a significant departure from previous French policy, has exacerbated tensions between France and Algeria.
Algeria, a strong supporter of the Polisario Front, which seeks secession, views France’s move as a betrayal.
Paris has attempted to manage the fallout by informing Algiers of its decision before making it public, which was meant by a public denouncement and condemnation from Algiers, in the form of a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The French government maintains that its stance on Western Sahara is consistent with international law, advocating for a UN-led resolution that fosters regional integration and stability.
The UN has reiterated its longstanding position on Western Sahara, emphasizing its commitment to a political solution in line with Security Council resolutions.
The EU has also reaffirmed its support for the UN-led process to achieve a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution for Western Sahara, backing UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his envoy Staffan de Mistura in their efforts.
