The 15th High-Level Meeting between Morocco and France took place in Rabat on July 16, reaffirming the exceptional partnership driven by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron. This meeting marks a significant new phase in bilateral relations, characterized by enhanced political, economic, and strategic convergence.
During this gathering, France's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara was a central theme, underscoring it as a foundational pillar of this renewed partnership. This stance is not merely a transient political decision but rather a strategic orientation of France that is expected to endure beyond changes in political leadership and upcoming electoral outcomes. This commitment redefines the bilateral relationship, establishing a level of political, diplomatic, and strategic alignment that fosters mutual trust and positions the issue of Sahara as a key element of cooperation between the two nations.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reiterated in Rabat that France's position regarding Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara is 'intangible,' emphasizing that it is a firm and lasting aspect of French foreign policy. He stated that this renewed strategic partnership is founded on trust, aligned interests, and a shared vision for regional stability, asserting that 'France remains steadfastly and loyally beside Morocco.'
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted President Macron's clear statement delivered to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Throne Day celebrations on July 30, 2024, where he affirmed that 'the present and future of the Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.'
14 Agreements Signed in Seven Key Areas
Morocco and France have revitalized their strategic partnership by signing 14 cooperation agreements and instruments during the 15th high-level meeting, co-chaired by Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. These agreements signify the commitment of both nations to elevate their cooperation to a new level, based on converging strategic interests and a shared vision for the future of their bilateral relations.
The 14 agreements encompass a broad spectrum of cooperation that extends beyond economic ties to include diplomacy, security and defense, infrastructure and transport, water management, scientific research, education, culture, digital transformation, and institutional strengthening. Key areas of collaboration include:
- Diplomacy and Institutional Cooperation: A letter of intent on feminist foreign policy cooperation.
- Transport, Infrastructure, and Mobility: Three agreements focusing on civil aviation, a partnership between the National Maritime School and the Institute of Higher Maritime Studies, and a loan from the French Development Agency for the Rabat express regional network project.
- Water, Environment, and Territorial Engineering: AAFD loan for water policy and a framework cooperation agreement between CEREMA and the Public Laboratory for Testing and Studies.
- Education, Research, and Scientific Innovation: A declaration of intent regarding the teaching of Arabic language, history, and geography within the French education network, and a framework cooperation agreement between CIRAD and the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute.
- Culture, Heritage, and Creative Industries: A strategic partnership agreement between the Arab World Institute and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, alongside letters of intent concerning artist residencies and Morocco's participation in the Fund for African Authors and Producers.
- Digital Transformation and Public Services: An agreement between La Poste Group and Barid Al-Maghrib for cooperation.
- Defense and Strategic Cooperation: A technical agreement on military archives.
The signing of these 14 agreements across seven critical sectors illustrates the shared ambition of Morocco and France to redefine and enhance their bilateral cooperation.
Africa: A Strategic Priority for Rabat and Paris
Africa emerged as a central theme in the 15th High-Level Meeting between Morocco and France. Both nations have prioritized the continent within their renewed strategic partnership, aiming to collaboratively address the challenges of development, stability, and regional integration.
During the meeting, Rabat and Paris reiterated their commitment to promoting a cooperation model based on investment, innovation, training, and sustainable development, prioritizing projects that can yield a lasting impact on the African continent. The goal is to replace traditional aid approaches with a win-win partnership framework among equals.
This African dimension in Franco-Moroccan relations is underpinned by Morocco's strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Africa. The country’s economic, financial, and logistical presence in many African nations has established it as a preferred partner for France in joint initiatives spanning sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digitization, and connectivity.
Consequently, Morocco and France have expressed their determination to coordinate efforts to foster economic growth, enhance regional resilience, and promote closer integration among African countries, given their aligned positions advocating for greater stability and prosperity on the continent, particularly in the Atlantic space and West Africa.
As reported by atalayar.com.
