Morocco and France launch a new phase of cooperation in security, investment and energy

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

Morocco and France affirmed on Thursday their commitment to strengthening their partnership. strategy The two countries discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of security, counter-terrorism, economy and investment, during the opening of the fifteenth session of the high-level Moroccan-French meeting, held in the capital, Rabat.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the meeting, the first since 2019, as a “pivotal moment” in the course of relations between the two countries, stressing that Paris is looking to enhance cooperation with Rabat, particularly in the areas of security and counter-terrorism, given what he described as the two countries’ shared interests within the African continent.

Locornu is visiting Morocco at the head of a government delegation comprising 10 ministers, in a move that reflects the desire of both sides to give a new impetus to bilateral relations.

A new phase in relations between Morocco and France

For his part, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch affirmed that the meeting embodies the beginning of a new phase in Moroccan-French relations, based on an exceptional partnership and a shared vision aimed at strengthening political rapprochement, revitalizing economic cooperation, and building a common future that serves the interests of both countries.

Akhannouch explained that the period following the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco witnessed the acceleration of the implementation of a number of major projects in the sectors of industry, infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, innovation, and investment, in addition to cooperation in the areas of energy transition, decarbonization of the industrial sector, development of transport networks, railway connections and ports, and the establishment of new industrial value chains.

He added that the Rabat meeting represents the beginning of the practical implementation phase of the agreements reached by the two countries, and reflects the keenness of the two governments to transform political understandings into tangible projects and achievements on the ground.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced last May that King Mohammed VI of Morocco would pay a state visit to France in the coming period, with the date to be announced later, noting that the visit would witness the signing of an unprecedented bilateral treaty, the first of its kind between Morocco and a European country.

Relations between Rabat and Paris have witnessed a remarkable improvement since France announced in 2024 its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, which opened a new chapter in bilateral relations, culminating in the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco in October of the same year, which resulted in the signing of 22 cooperation agreements in various economic, development and strategic fields.