French Minister Rachida Dati Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Sovereignty Over Sahara During Visit to Tarfaya
During her February 2025 visit to Morocco, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati affirmed France's support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. This landmark trip signifies enhanced cultural cooperation, including the opening of a French cultural center. Dati's presence highlights the strengthening diplomatic ties between France and Morocco, particularly post-Macron's policy shift.
hassan benyoub 
During her official visit to Morocco from February 17-18, 2025, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati emphasized France's unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Arriving in the southern region, specifically in Tarfaya, Dati donned a traditional Saharan "Melhfa" and stated, "The present and future of this region are under Moroccan sovereignty, and this is indisputable."
This visit marks a significant moment as it is the first time a high-ranking French official has visited the southern provinces. Dati's presence underscores the strengthening cultural ties between France and Morocco, following a historic shift in France's North Africa policy initiated by President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to Morocco in October 2024.
"C'est un moment symbolique, historique et un engagement écrit: Le présent et l'avenir de cette région sont sous souveraineté marocaine et c'est incontestable. " ..
????La déclaration de Rachida Dati, première ministre française à se rendre en visite officielle dans les provinces… pic.twitter.com/1NKbnNIkx9 — 2M.ma (@2MInteractive) February 17, 2025
Accompanied by her Moroccan counterpart, Mehdi Bensaid, Dati visited "Casa del Mar" (Maison de la Mer) and participated in the inauguration of a new French cultural center in Laayoune. The establishment of this center is part of broader efforts to enhance cultural cooperation and support local initiatives.
Dati's remarks align with France's recent commitment to recognize Morocco's position on the Sahara, which has been a point of contention since the 1975 conflict involving the Polisario Front. The French government has increasingly backed Morocco's autonomy plan for the region, further solidifying diplomatic relations.
In addition to her engagements in Tarfaya, Dati's itinerary includes visits to Laayoune and Dakhla, where she will meet local cultural and educational leaders. The visit aims to foster collaboration between Moroccan and French cultural professionals and promote investments in local projects.
Dati's statements reflect a significant diplomatic alignment between France and Morocco, reinforcing their mutual interests in regional stability and cultural exchange.
