France's Commitment to the Socio-Economic Growth of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region

Wednesday 13 November 2024 - 14:55

During a recent visit to the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the French ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, led a high-level delegation to reaffirm France's active support for the socio-economic and cultural development of this southern Moroccan region. This visit exemplifies France’s commitment to fostering growth in partnership with Morocco across economic, social, cultural, and educational fields.

“The French Republic is determined to contribute to the socio-economic advancement of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, within the framework of multifaceted cooperation between France and Morocco,” Lecourtier stated during his visit. He emphasized that France aims to turn its support for southern Morocco’s development into concrete action, fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron's expressed support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.

The visit also aimed to assess completed and future projects within the region’s Regional Development Program (PDR) and to explore potential roles for French partners. Several French companies are already involved in the region, and France plans to initiate additional projects with local stakeholders in the coming months.

El Khattat Yanja, President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, welcomed the visit as evidence of France's strong commitment to Morocco's territorial integrity and its investment potential. The delegation included investors interested in exploring the region's promising opportunities, which have accelerated under the New Development Model for Southern Provinces launched in 2015 by King Mohammed VI.

Lecourtier and his delegation also held meetings with key regional officials, including the Wali of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, the governor of Oued Eddahab province, and the President of Dakhla’s municipal council. The group received detailed presentations on the PDR, backed by a budget exceeding 4.36 billion dirhams, and heard from the Director of the Regional Investment Center, Mounir Houari, on investment opportunities and infrastructure projects that are shaping the region’s future.

This visit highlights France's commitment to ongoing collaboration with Morocco in advancing the development of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.