French President Emmanuel Macron has denied responsibility for the worsening of relations between his country and Morocco, as well as other countries in the Maghreb, Middle East, and Africa.
According to the French President, the culprit behind the crisis is the overall regional situation and its organization.
In a speech delivered on Monday in Paris before French ambassadors, Macron expressed his intention to “deeply reconsider partnerships” between Paris and countries of the Maghreb and Mediterranean.
While acknowledging the initiatives deployed in recent years by his government towards civil society, he admitted that bilateral relations were not at the desired level with Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and other countries in the Middle East.
Macron presented a personal diagnosis of the situation, dismissing any responsibility on France’s part for the diplomatic tensions.
The President stated that these tensions could not be attributed to a lack of commitment on France’s part, including our efforts on matters of memory or economics.
Macron further highlighted the regional crisis and its organization, where hostilities persist and multiple heterogeneous difficulties exist, as the main reason for the deterioration of France’s relations with the region.
Emmanuel Macron promised to “launch bilateral initiatives in the coming months” towards these countries.
The President indicated that by the end of the year, under the authority of the Foreign Affairs Minister, an intergovernmental revival agenda with the broader region would be solidified.
Macron emphasized his sincere intention to advance relations with Morocco. He mentioned that he has held several discussions with the King and that their personal relationships are friendly and expected to remain so.
Commenting on the situation in Niger, Macron said that France’s ambassador will remain stationed in Niger, despite the ruling junta’s request for the envoy’s departure.
Macron expressed strong opposition to the coup leaders while emphasizing that France does not consider itself an adversary of Niger.
Macron brushed aside concerns about confronting the junta, asserting the validity of their policy. He affirmed, ”our policy is the right one. It depends on the courage of President Mohamed Bazoum, the commitment of our diplomats, of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining despite pressure.”
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