Maroc and France strengthen defense ties in Rabat meeting

high-level talks in Rabat focus on defense and bilateral cooperation

The Moroccan delegation, led by Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, received the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin, in Rabat on Thursday. The meeting took place under the high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), with the presence of the Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone.

Catherine Vautrin heads a high-powered French delegation visiting Morocco as part of the 15th High-Level Morocco-France Meeting. The delegation is led by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who is overseeing a working visit to discuss the deepening and diversification of bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

During the meeting, the two sides signed a technical arrangement and a memorandum of understanding focused on bilateral defense industry cooperation, according to a statement from the National Defense Administration.

defense and regional cooperation take center stage

The discussions covered a range of bilateral and regional topics, with both parties exploring ways to strengthen and diversify military cooperation. A shared commitment emerged to consolidate these ties through the implementation of legal instruments finalized during the 15th High-Level Meeting.

The meeting brought together 22 Moroccan and French ministers, co-chaired by Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu. The session concluded with the signing of eleven cooperation agreements spanning diverse fields, from the development of a Regional Express Rail (RER) network in Rabat to water resources and decentralization.

historic french support strengthens moroccan sovereignty

The 15th High-Level Morocco-France Meeting unfolded against a backdrop of an exceptional partnership and deepening political ties. Notably, it took place during a historic shift in France’s stance, marked by its official endorsement of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and recognition of the Kingdom’s authority over its southern provinces.