The fifteenth high-level Morocco-France meeting has set a new benchmark for bilateral cooperation, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to shared interests and Morocco’s territorial integrity. The gathering, held in Rabat, served as a platform to assess progress since the October 2024 state visit and outline future strategies.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch highlighted the significance of the meeting, stating, “This fifteenth high-level Morocco-France meeting arrives at a decisive juncture. It provides an opportunity to review our collective progress and accelerate the implementation of commitments made under our enhanced strategic partnership.”

The discussions reflected the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, emphasizing Morocco’s dedication to fostering ambitious, balanced cooperation that creates opportunities for both nations.

Political and strategic alignment

In a world marked by uncertainty, Morocco and France share a common vision for stability and cooperation. Their political and strategic dialogue has deepened, covering regional and international issues with a spirit of mutual trust and shared responsibility.

“This alignment finds particular resonance in the Mediterranean, African, and Atlantic regions,” Akhannouch noted. “France’s unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the Moroccan nature of the Sahara has fostered a climate of enhanced trust.”

Economic ties have also flourished, with projects in industry, decarbonization, infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, innovation, and productive investment gaining momentum since President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit. The emergence of new value chains, particularly in banking services, has further solidified the economic partnership.

Both nations are committed to advancing technological transformations, with a focus on artificial intelligence, digitalization, applied research, and other strategic sectors to enhance their global competitiveness.

The human dimension: A cornerstone of partnership

The partnership extends beyond strategic and economic realms, anchored in the belief that human connections form the bedrock of cooperation. Universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and the diaspora play a vital role in bridging societies and fostering cultural exchanges.

Akhannouch emphasized the importance of education, scientific research, vocational training, innovation, and talent mobility. Cultural cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and the promotion of shared heritage were also highlighted as key pillars of the relationship.

The two nations are determined to project their bilateral relations into the future, launching a new phase of strategic partnership inspired by King Mohammed VI’s vision and France’s commitment to addressing 21st-century challenges.

A new chapter in bilateral relations

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the meeting as a turning point, marking the implementation of commitments made during President Macron’s historic state visit to Rabat in October 2024.

“The goal was to elevate the Morocco-France partnership to new heights,” Lecornu stated. “This involves creating privileged inter-ministerial, political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties to establish a unique governance framework.”

France and Morocco aim to consolidate a strategic partnership that not only strengthens their relationship with the European Union but also serves as a bridge for renewed cooperation across Africa. Paris’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan to resolve the Sahara conflict was reaffirmed.

Security remains a cornerstone of the partnership, alongside demographic and environmental challenges affecting the continent. Both nations will enhance coordination in combating terrorism and transnational threats, recognizing that regional stability requires closer diplomatic and security collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a shared determination to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level, opening the door to a new dynamic that projects Moroccan-French cooperation beyond bilateral frameworks. This partnership will serve as a catalyst for African development, stability, and integration.

Lecornu emphasized that the meeting marks a new phase in deepening the Franco-Moroccan partnership, paving the way for His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s upcoming state visit to France. This visit is expected to be a landmark moment, potentially culminating in the signing of an exceptional friendship treaty to consolidate an unprecedented strategic partnership.

Agreements signed

A series of agreements were signed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors:

• Foreign policy cooperation: A letter of intent on feminist foreign policy was signed by Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot.
• High-speed rail project: An agreement between Morocco’s Economy Minister Nadia Fettah and French Economy Minister Roland Lescure confirmed financing for the high-speed rail line between Kenitra and Marrakech.
• Water partnership: A declaration complementing the 2024 water policy support agreement was signed by Nadia Fettah, Roland Barrot, and AFD Director Catherine Bonnaud.
• Education collaboration: A declaration of intent on teaching Arabic and geography in French schools in Morocco was signed by Morocco’s Education Minister Mohamed Berrada and France’s Francophonie Minister Eléonore Caroit.
• Aviation cooperation: A three-year action plan (2026-2028) on civil aviation technical cooperation was signed by Morocco’s Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and his French counterpart Philippe Tabarot.
• Maritime education: An agreement between Morocco’s Higher Institute of Maritime Studies and France’s National Superior Maritime School was signed by Abdessamad Kayouh and ENSM Director François Lambert.
• Postal services: A cooperation agreement to adapt postal services to modern challenges and strengthen collaboration was signed by Morocco’s Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour and La Poste representative Christelle Geneste Defaye.
• Cultural cooperation: Declarations of intent on film and artistic exchanges in Africa were signed by Morocco’s Culture Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and his French counterpart Catherine Pegard.
• Cultural partnership: A strategic partnership agreement was signed between Bensaid and Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Arab World Institute, to develop cultural and intellectual initiatives.
• Scientific cooperation: An agreement between Morocco’s Public Laboratory for Testing and Studies and France’s Center for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility, and Development was signed by Hammou Bensaadout and CEREMA Director General.
• Agricultural research: A cooperation framework agreement covering agriculture, veterinary medicine, and fisheries was signed by Abdelaziz El Hraiki of the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute and Jean-Paul Laclau of CIRAD.