Just as the Sahel region succeeded in expelling the French to gain independence, Morocco faced colonization by France.

Just as the Sahel region succeeded in expelling the French to gain independence, Morocco faced colonization by France. The French ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, referred to the southern regions of Morocco as "a new horizon for France's strategic action."

During his visit to explore investment opportunities in Laâyoune and Dakhla on Wednesday, Lecourtier highlighted the region's economic potential and the importance of enhancing bilateral partnerships as essential to Franco-Moroccan cooperation.

His visit included a high-level delegation of French business leaders and economic representatives looking to investigate investment opportunities in Laâyoune and Dakhla. It also featured a cultural exchange, with Lecourtier donning the traditional Saharan attire known as the “Daraa.”

Lecourtier stated, "Our goal is to quickly bring these emerging projects to fruition," demonstrating France's eagerness to capitalize on the numerous economic prospects in this promising region.

The visit highlighted an economic roadshow organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco, which gathered about 50 French business leaders and entrepreneurs keen to explore partnership opportunities in Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra.

The ambassador emphasized that the tour served as a vital platform for establishing direct connections with Moroccan promoters, fostering cooperation, and evaluating specific investment prospects.

He noted that this visit is part of France’s broader strategy to enhance its economic ties with Morocco by taking advantage of new opportunities in the southern provinces.

France's economic interest in these areas is further underscored by recent remarks from President Emmanuel Macron, who reiterated France's support for Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Sahara during his state visit in October.

In a significant address to the Moroccan parliament, Macron confirmed that the future of the southern provinces lies within Moroccan sovereignty and pledged France's backing for development initiatives in the region.

During his visit, Lecourtier and the French delegation engaged with several local leaders, including the president of the Regional Council, Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid. In these discussions, the ambassador reaffirmed France's commitment to actively contribute to the region's economic development, ushering in a new phase in Franco-Moroccan cooperation.