Toulouse: The Values of the “Green March” Highlighted During a Commemorative Event

The event was attended by several political, economic, and academic figures, as well as members of the Moroccan diaspora and youth from the southwest of France.

On this occasion, Morocco’s Consul General in Toulouse, Nadya Talmi, emphasized that the commemoration of this glorious epic comes at a pivotal moment following the adoption by the UN Security Council of the historic resolution on the Moroccan Sahara.

She noted that celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Green March in Toulouse carries special significance, highlighting that “representatives of Moroccan and French associations, professionals, and members of the Moroccan community have gathered in large numbers to celebrate with the same conviction, pride, and unwavering attachment to the founding principles of the Kingdom.”

Underscoring the exceptional ties between Morocco and France, the Consul General recalled that last April, the Occitanie-Pyrénées Region and the Dakhla Oued Ed-Dahab Region formalized a multidimensional cooperation agreement in Toulouse, as part of the strengthened exceptional partnership between the two countries.

“Occitanie is thus the first region in France to be linked by a decentralized partnership with a region of the Moroccan Sahara,” she said proudly.

For his part, the President of Toulouse-Capitole University, Hugues Kenfack, expressed his joy at taking part in the celebration of the Green March’s 50th anniversary, “which continues to resonate under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI as an eternal symbol of a people united behind their Sovereign to defend Morocco’s territorial integrity and beyond.”

He recalled that in 1975, “thousands of Moroccan men and women mobilized, united and peaceful, for the right to sovereignty and integrity,” noting that “this march, a symbol of courage and determination, showed the world the strength of civic mobilization in the service of peace.”

Speaking via videoconference, the President of the Dakhla Oued Ed-Dahab Region, Yanja El Khattat, highlighted France’s constant and historic support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, stating that “this support reinforces the conviction that Moroccan-French cooperation, founded on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision, remains a cornerstone of the exceptional relations between the two countries.”

Emphasizing the region’s economic and social growth, El Khattat noted that “the southern provinces are experiencing remarkable development driven by the enlightened vision of His Majesty the King.” He cited major structuring projects such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port, the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, industrial and logistics zones, and large-scale investments in renewable energy, all of which “reflect the ambition to make Dakhla a competitive and sustainable regional hub.”

On the same occasion, Rachida Lucazeau, Regional Councillor representing the President of the Occitanie Region, said that “this Golden Jubilee is an opportunity to pay tribute to the late His Majesty Hassan II, to celebrate national cohesion and unity around the Moroccan Sahara under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and to highlight the progress and development achieved in the southern provinces.”

She added that the commemoration of the Green March is also an opportunity to honor all generations who have believed in the national cause, worked to defend Morocco’s unity and sovereignty, and passed on to today’s youth the love of their homeland and the spirit of duty.

Deputy Mayor and Vice President of Toulouse Métropole, Jean-Claude Dardelet, also expressed his joy in joining the Moroccan people in welcoming the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution on the Moroccan Sahara.

Several discussion panels brought together university researchers, professors, students, community and business leaders, and cultural figures. The conference drew more than 400 participants.

Editorial team/le7tv