Morocco and France elevate strategic partnership to new heights
- Political and strategic alignment at the heart of the partnership
- The human dimension: strengthening bridges between nations
- Bilateral relations: reaching new peaks
- Landmark agreements signed
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch emphasized the significance of this fifteenth high-level Morocco-France meeting, stating it arrives at a critical juncture in the bilateral journey initiated in October 2024. «This gathering provides an essential opportunity to assess progress made and accelerate the implementation of commitments under our strengthened exceptional partnership,» he noted.
The meeting serves as a platform to advance crucial, foundational steps in implementing the visionary directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which prioritize an ambitious, balanced cooperation framework designed to unlock future opportunities for both nations.
During discussions, Mr. Akhannouch highlighted the unwavering commitment of Morocco to fostering a partnership that aligns with the evolving demands of the 21st century. He also expressed deep appreciation for the renewed dynamism President Emmanuel Macron has infused into Moroccan-French relations, describing it as a catalyst for strengthening an already exceptional partnership between the Alawite Kingdom and the French Republic.
Political and strategic alignment at the heart of the partnership
In a global landscape marked by uncertainty and multifaceted crises, Morocco and France have forged a robust convergence of political and strategic interests. Both nations have deepened their dialogue on regional and international issues, guided by principles of mutual trust, shared responsibility, and respect.
«This convergence has found particular resonance in the Mediterranean, African, and Atlantic regions,» Mr. Akhannouch stated, «particularly following France’s strong endorsement of Morocco’s territorial integrity and the Moroccan character of the Sahara. This stance has fostered an environment of enhanced mutual trust between our countries.»
The Moroccan Prime Minister also underscored the economic momentum generated since President Macron’s state visit, which has accelerated the implementation of key projects in industry, decarbonization, infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, innovation, and productive investment.
He highlighted the strength and quality of Moroccan-French cooperation, driven by the emergence of new value chains that position banking services as a cornerstone of the bilateral economic relationship.
Both nations are committed to driving major technological transformations, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, digitalization, applied research, and other strategic sectors poised to enhance the competitiveness of their economies.
The human dimension: strengthening bridges between nations
This exceptional partnership extends beyond strategic and economic domains to embrace a shared belief in the power of human connections. The human dimension—encompassing academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and diaspora communities—serves as a vital bridge between the two societies, fostering cultural exchange and deepening mutual understanding, as emphasized by Mr. Akhannouch.
On the human capital front, both countries are advancing efforts in higher education, scientific research, vocational training, innovation, and talent mobility. Cultural cooperation remains a priority, with a focus on intercultural dialogue, heritage preservation, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges—the living foundation of the bilateral relationship.
Morocco and France have reaffirmed their ambition to propel bilateral relations into the future by launching a new phase in their strategic partnership. This initiative draws inspiration from the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Macron’s commitment to building a partnership equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Both governments have expressed their determination to translate political commitments into tangible results, aiming to construct a more effective, innovative partnership capable of addressing shared challenges in the economic, technological, geopolitical, and human domains.
Bilateral relations: reaching new peaks
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the Morocco-France high-level meeting as a turning point in bilateral relations, marking the implementation of commitments made during President Macron’s historic state visit to Rabat in October 2024.
He emphasized that the primary commitment was to elevate the partnership to new heights by creating privileged inter-ministerial, political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural links to establish a unique governance framework between the two nations.
«France and Morocco aspire to consolidate a strategic partnership that not only strengthens their privileged relationship with the European Union but also serves as a bridge for renewed cooperation based on converging interests and a shared commitment to Africa’s development and stability.» Mr. Lecornu explained, adding that Paris continues to support the autonomy plan to bring a definitive solution to the Sahara conflict.
Both countries reaffirmed that security will remain a pillar of their strategic partnership, alongside addressing major demographic and environmental challenges affecting the continent.
Enhanced coordination in combating terrorism and transnational threats underscores the growing diplomatic and security collaboration, as both governments agree on the need to elevate bilateral relations to new levels. They aim to project Moroccan-French cooperation beyond bilateral frameworks and position it as an instrument for Africa’s development, stability, and integration.
Mr. Lecornu concluded by highlighting that this high-level meeting marks a new phase in deepening the Franco-Moroccan partnership, paving the way for the upcoming state visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to France. This visit is poised to be a landmark event, potentially culminating in the signing of an exceptional friendship treaty to solidify an unprecedented strategic partnership between the two countries.
Landmark agreements signed
Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot signed a letter of intent on feminist foreign policy cooperation. This initiative aims to strengthen feminist diplomacy at both ministerial and international levels.
Economy and Finance Minister Nadia Fettah and her French counterpart Roland Lescure signed a memorandum of understanding confirming financing for the high-speed rail program between Kénitra and Marrakech.
A joint declaration complementing the water partnership agreement was also signed by Nadia Fettah, Roland Barrot, and Catherine Bonnaud, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Morocco. This agreement builds on the commitments made in the October 28, 2024, memorandum of understanding on supporting Morocco’s national water policy.
Education Minister Mohamed Berrada and French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Associations Eléonore Caroit signed a declaration of intent to promote Arabic and history-geography education in French schools in Morocco. The goal is to foster bilingual competence among students.
Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and his French counterpart Philippe Tabarot signed a three-year action plan (2026-2028) to implement technical cooperation in civil aviation.
Mr. Kayouh also signed a partnership agreement with François Lambert, Director of the French National Maritime School (ENSM), to consolidate scientific and pedagogical exchanges between ENSM and Morocco’s Higher Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM).
Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour and Christelle Geneste Defaye, representative of La Poste Group’s Director General, signed a cooperation agreement to adapt postal services to emerging challenges and enhance collaboration between the two operators.
In the cultural sphere, Youth, Culture, and Communication Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and his French counterpart Catherine Pegard signed declarations of intent on film and moving image cooperation in Africa, as well as on artistic exchanges.
Mr. Bensaid also signed a strategic partnership agreement with Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Arab World Institute, to establish a general framework for cooperation in cultural, intellectual, and civic initiatives.
The Director General of Morocco’s Public Laboratory for Testing and Studies (LPEE), Hammou Bensaadout, and the Director General of France’s Center for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility, and Development (CEREMA), signed a framework cooperation agreement covering areas such as soil engineering and expertise in port, hydraulic, and maritime infrastructures.
The Director of Morocco’s Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV) Hassan II, Abdelaziz El Hraiki, and Jean-Paul Laclau, Deputy Director General for Research and Strategy at the French Agricultural Research and International Cooperation Organization (CIRAD), signed a framework cooperation agreement covering agriculture, veterinary medicine, and fisheries and aquaculture sciences.
