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France all set to fund Morocco's 3GW power link to Western Sahara

France is prepared to participate in funding a 3 gigawatt power cable connecting the Moroccan city of Casablanca to the town of Dakhla in Western Sahara, French Financing Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Friday.

Western Sahara has been contested in between Morocco - which calls it its southern provinces - and the Algeria-backed Polisario front, which requires an independent state there.

I verify to you that we are all set to participate in moneying this task, Le Maire told a Moroccan-French organization forum in Rabat.

In February, French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne had said France backs Morocco's financial investments in Western Sahara and declared support for Rabat's autonomy prepare for the territory, indicating a heating up of ties between the two countries after a. duration of diplomatic frost.

Morocco wants France to acknowledge its complete sovereignty. over Western Sahara, following the example of the U.S. and many. Arab and African nations.

France is also ready to comply with Morocco in. developing solar, wind and green hydrogen in addition to nuclear. power, Le Maire said.

French development firm AFD would provide a loan of 350. million euros to assist Morocco phosphates and fertilisers giant. OCP with its decarbonisation push, Le Maire said.

France is the biggest foreign financier in Morocco with. an investment stock totaling up to 8.2 billion euros ($ 8.75. billion) approximately 2022.

Morocco is home to commercial facilities of leading. French firms such as Renault and Safran.