French Senate President begins Morocco visit –discusses Sahara & “Royal Atlantic Initiative”

Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate, met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, in Rabat on Monday as part of an official visit that will also include the laying of a foundation stone for a new French school in Laâyoune. According to local Moroccan media, in remarks made after the meeting, Larcher reenforced France’s position on the Sahara issue, stating that the support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, initiated in 2007, reflects the view of the French Republic, not just individual governments. He also went on to praise the “Royal Atlantic Initiative” as a key contributor to regional stability.