During a joint press briefing at the end of their talks, the two ministers highlighted several bilateral and regional issues.

In this regard, Mr. Bourita noted that Mr. Le Drian’s working visit to Morocco reinforces the positive dynamics of bilateral relations, recalling the permanent contacts and coordination between the officials of the two countries, supported by a commitment at the highest level of the two countries.

"This visit is also an opportunity to highlight the exceptional relation between the two countries and the opportunities that we can seize in the post-Covid phase", added Mr. Bourita, recalling that, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, coordination between the two countries continued, particularly at the consular level and in the field of health.

Regarding regional issues, Mr. Bourita said that this meeting was an opportunity "to discuss regional issues, especially those of the Sahel region, Mali and the Libyan dossier".

For his part, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian reiterated France's "constant" position, supporting the search for a "just, lasting and mutually accepted" solution under the aegis of the UN to the Moroccan Sahara issue.

The French foreign minister added that he was following "closely the events of El Guergarat" and that France remained "concerned about the ongoing blockage". "We believe that we must get out of this situation and we want to hail in this regard the responsibility shown by Morocco", he continued.

“In difficult times, it is normal to turn to one's close friends,” said Mr. Le Drian, noting that France considers Morocco a reference “because the Kingdom is the bearer of moderate Islam, promoted by His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, and because the Kingdom shares our rejection of terrorism”.