During a joint press conference, following this bilateral meeting, Mr Nasser Bourita stressed that there is a need to renew and adapt this bilateral relationship and underlined that thanks to HM King Mohammed VI's enlightened vision, Morocco has made great strides domestically, in addition to strengthening its international deployment and diversifying its partnerships.

This evolution is an asset for Morocco-France relations, the minister added, recalling the special interest HM the King attaches to the authentic and anchored relationship with France.

He also stressed the importance of this meeting with his French counterpart to prepare the next steps, especially meetings at the highest level of the state.

Mr. Bourita also recalled the strength of diversified relations, underlining the common will to develop them.

Mr. Bourita said his talks with his French counterpart were an opportunity to discuss several regional issues, including the Sahel and West Africa.

Recalling the common challenges in various regions of the world, the minister underlined the convergence of views and coordination on some issues related to the MENA region, as well as those concerning the African continent.

Mr. Bourita said that Morocco has never considered that the position of Paris is "negative but on the contrary", recalling that France, which is aware of the importance of the issue of the Moroccan Sahara for the Moroccan people and the living forces of the nation, was "a pioneer from the beginning in the appreciation and support of the autonomy plan."

The minister noted, however, that the need for adaptation is on the table and can be examined, especially since the Sahara issue and its regional and geopolitical environment have recently experienced significant developments.

These developments have not called into question the fundamentals to which Morocco is committed, he said, recalling that the Kingdom is not for a solution outside the UN, nor for an imposed solution.

Morocco considers that it is time to define positions in relation to the objective of the UN process and not in relation to the process itself, he noted, explaining that the process is not an objective in itself.

"The processes are not an objective, the processes must lead us to a solution," he concluded.

Mrs. Catherine Colonna reiterated her country's position favorable to Morocco regarding the Moroccan autonomy plan, a position, known to the Moroccans, that Paris demonstrated at the United Nations when it was the "only one who wanted to advance some ideas".

"France's position is clear and constant," she said, recalling that his country supports the ceasefire and the efforts of UN Secretary General Staffan de Mistura's personal envoy.

"We wish for the resumption of negotiations between the parties for a just and realistic solution," he added, stressing the constancy of France's position, in particular that concerning "the renewal of Minurso's mandate, which was appreciated by Morocco."

"We are not going to change and Morocco knows that it can count on the support of France", she affirmed.

On this occasion, The French Minister announced the resumption of "normal consular activity with Morocco.

She added that the restoration of "a full consular relationship" between the two countries aims to "enhance human exchanges and further promote the deep intertwining between the two societies that makes this bilateral relationship is so unique".

"We did what was needed. it's done," the minister said in response to a question about visas issued by French consulates in Morocco.

"The human capital that exists between us is an asset for both countries," she noted, noting that "these exchanges are and will remain the foundation of our bilateral relationship and its engine for the future."

Mrs. Colonna underlined that the density of the Franco-Moroccan partnership in all economic, cultural, security and educational fields has never been denied.

The two sides agreed to further deepen joint work and move forward at a good pace through respectful dialogue, open exchanges and a constructive spirit, he said, adding that "this means adapting to the legitimate expectations of Morocco, which continues to transform itself."

Mrs. Colonna also spoke of the joint responsibility to forge relations beneficial to both countries, welcoming the uniqueness of the modern, exemplary and exceptional partnership between the two countries.

In this regard, she highlighted the common will of Morocco and France to project themselves into the future, in line with the vision of HM King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron.

The minister also applauded the remarkable performance of the Atlas Lions in the 2022 World Cup, affirming that "this is only the beginning of great adventures for Moroccan soccer."