Morocco and France deepen strategic partnership at high-level meeting
- Political and strategic convergence
- The human dimension, cornerstone of Moroccan-French partnership
- A new scale in bilateral relations
- Signed agreements
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch emphasized that the 15th Morocco-France high-level meeting comes at a pivotal moment in the bilateral partnership launched in October 2024. He noted it provides an opportunity to review progress and accelerate the implementation of commitments made under this exceptional partnership framework.
The meeting also serves as a platform to advance key, transformative steps aligned with the vision of King Mohammed VI, which underscores Morocco’s commitment to fostering ambitious, balanced cooperation that creates future opportunities for both nations.
Mr. Akhannouch praised French President Emmanuel Macron’s dedication to injecting fresh dynamism into Morocco-France relations, solidifying their exceptional partnership.
Political and strategic convergence
In a world marked by escalating crises and uncertainties, Morocco and France not only share a mutual goal of stability and cooperation but have also deepened their political and strategic dialogue on regional and international issues. This dialogue is rooted in trust, shared responsibility, and mutual respect.
« This convergence has gained particular resonance in the Mediterranean, African, and Atlantic spaces, especially following France’s strong stance in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity and the Moroccan nature of the Sahara, » Mr. Akhannouch stated. « This position has fostered an environment of enhanced trust between our nations. »
He highlighted that economic momentum since President Macron’s last state visit has accelerated the implementation of transformative projects in industries, decarbonization, infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, innovation, and productive investment.
The Moroccan Prime Minister underscored the strength and quality of cooperation between Morocco and France, driven by emerging value chains that position banking services as a key pillar of their bilateral economic relationship.
Both nations are also committed to advancing technological transformations, with a focus on artificial intelligence, digitalization, applied research, and other strategic sectors. These initiatives are designed to enhance the competitiveness of both economies.
The human dimension, cornerstone of Moroccan-French partnership
This strengthened partnership extends beyond strategic and economic domains to embrace a shared belief in the richness of human ties between our societies. The human dimension, which includes academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and the diaspora, plays a pivotal role in fostering closer ties and strengthening cultural exchanges between the two peoples, » Mr. Akhannouch noted.
Regarding human capital, he affirmed that both countries are intensifying efforts in higher education, scientific research, vocational training, innovation, and talent mobility.
Additionally, Morocco and France are prioritizing cultural cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and the promotion of shared heritage, as well as strengthening human exchanges. These efforts form the living, enduring foundation of their bilateral relationship.
The two governments reaffirmed their ambition to project their bilateral relations into the future by launching a new phase of their strategic partnership. This initiative is inspired by the vision of King Mohammed VI and France’s commitment to building a cooperation framework suited to 21st-century challenges.
Both nations expressed their determination to translate political commitments into tangible results. Their goal is to construct a more effective and innovative partnership capable of addressing the common challenges they face together in economic, technological, geopolitical, and human domains.
A new scale in bilateral relations
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the Morocco-France high-level meeting as a turning point in bilateral relations. He noted it marks the implementation of commitments made during President Macron’s historic state visit to Rabat in October 2024.
The primary commitment, according to Mr. Lecornu, is to elevate the Morocco-France partnership by establishing privileged inter-ministerial, political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. This aims to create a unique governance framework between the two countries.
« 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 to renewed cooperation based on shared interests, » Mr. Lecornu explained. He reaffirmed France’s support for the autonomy plan aimed at achieving a definitive solution to the Sahara conflict.
The Prime Minister emphasized that security remains a cornerstone of their strategic partnership, alongside major demographic and environmental challenges affecting the continent.
Both countries will enhance coordination in combating terrorism and transnational threats, convinced that regional stability requires increasingly close diplomatic and security action.
The two governments agreed on the need to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher level, opening the way for a new dynamic to extend Moroccan-French cooperation beyond bilateral frameworks. This initiative aims to make it an instrument for the development, stability, and integration of the African continent.
Mr. Lecornu concluded by emphasizing that this high-level meeting marks a new phase in deepening the Franco-Moroccan partnership. He added that this momentum will help prepare for the upcoming state visit of King Mohammed VI to France, which is set to be a landmark moment for Morocco-France relations. This visit could culminate in the signing of an exceptional friendship treaty, designed to solidify an unprecedented strategic partnership between the two nations.
Signed agreements
The Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, signed a letter of intent on feminist foreign policy. This aims to strengthen feminist diplomacy at both the ministerial and international levels.
Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah and France’s Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial Sovereignty, Energy, and Digitalization Roland Lescure signed an agreement to finance the high-speed rail program between Kenitra and Marrakech.
A joint statement was also issued, complementing the agreement on water partnership, signed by Ms. Fettah, Roland Barrot, and Catherine Bonnaud, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Morocco. This agreement builds on and clarifies commitments made in the October 28, 2024, agreement supporting Morocco’s national water policy.
Moroccan Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports Mohamed Berrada and France’s Minister Delegate for La Francophonie and International Associations Eléonore Caroit signed a declaration of intent on teaching Arabic and geography-history in French schools in Morocco. This aims to promote bilingual proficiency among students.
Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics 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 France’s National Superior Maritime School (ENSM), and the Moroccan Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM). This agreement aims to strengthen scientific and pedagogical exchanges between the two institutions.
Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour and Christelle Geneste Defaye, representative of La Poste Group’s Director General, signed a cooperation agreement to adapt postal services to new challenges and enhance collaboration between the two operators.
In the cultural domain, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and his French counterpart Catherine Pegard signed a declaration of intent on cooperation in cinema and moving images across Africa. They also signed a declaration of intent 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 aimed at developing initiatives around cultural, intellectual, and civic actions.
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. This covers various fields, including soil engineering and expertise in port, hydraulic, and maritime infrastructures.
Finally, Abdelaziz El Hraiki, Director of the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV), and Jean-Paul Laclau, Deputy Director General for Research and Strategy at the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), signed a framework cooperation agreement in scientific sectors. This covers agriculture, veterinary medicine, and fisheries and aquaculture sciences.
By Claire Mvondo — Security and State Policy Expert
