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

"I confirm to you that we are ready to participate in funding this project,” Le Maire told a Moroccan-French business forum in Rabat.

In February, French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne had said France backs Morocco’s investments in Western Sahara and reaffirmed support for Rabat’s autonomy plan for the territory, signalling a warming up of ties between the two countries after a period of diplomatic frost.

Morocco wants France to recognise its full sovereignty over Western Sahara, following the example of the United States and many Arab and African countries.

--Reuters--