Diplomatic and Economic Collaborations
In a significant diplomatic move, Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, along with Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, recently signed a letter of intent aimed at enhancing cooperation in the realm of feminist foreign policy. This agreement outlines the exchange of experiences to bolster feminist diplomacy on both bilateral and international platforms.
In the economic sector, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, the Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance, finalized a memorandum of understanding concerning the financing of the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed train project. This agreement was signed alongside Roland Lescure, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty, and Catherine Bonnaud, the director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Morocco. This memorandum serves to complement the declaration of intent that was previously signed in October 2024.
Water, Education, and Cultural Agreements
Furthermore, in light of increasing pressure on water resources, Nadia Fettah Alaoui also signed a joint declaration with Jean-Noël Barrot and Catherine Bonnaud to reaffirm commitments to support Morocco's national water policy. In the field of education, Mohamed Berrada, the Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, collaborated with Éléonore Caroit, the Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Associations, to reinforce the teaching of Arabic language, history, and geography in French educational institutions in Morocco. This initiative aims to promote effective bilingualism and a deeper understanding of diverse cultural contexts.
The transport sector witnessed multiple agreements as well. Abdessamad Kayouh, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Philippe Tabarot, the French Minister of Transport, signed a three-year action plan for the period from 2026 to 2028 focused on civil aviation, outlining the main axes for technical cooperation. Additionally, in maritime affairs, Abdessamad Kayouh also supervised the signing of an agreement between François Lambert, the Director of the National Maritime School (ENSM), and the Higher Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM) to enhance academic and technical exchanges in the port economy sector.
Moreover, Ryad Mezzour, the Minister of Industry and Trade, and Christelle Geneste Defaye, representative of the Director General of the La Poste Group, signed a cooperation agreement between postal operators to adapt mail services to new digital and logistical challenges. The cultural dimension was notably emphasized during these discussions. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and Catherine Pégard, the French Minister of Culture, signed two letters of intent, one focusing on artistic exchanges and the mobility of creators, and the other on cooperation in the film and animation sectors in Africa, including emerging industries such as video games.
In line with this, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid also established a strategic agreement with Anne-Claire Legendre, the President of the Arab World Institute, aimed at developing joint cultural, intellectual, and civic initiatives. The 15th High-Level Meeting (RAN) between Morocco and France commenced this Thursday in Rabat, co-chaired by the head of the Moroccan Government, Aziz Akhannouch, and French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
Technical and scientific cooperation has also been strengthened, with Hammou Bensaadout, General Director of the Public Laboratory for Testing and Studies (LPEE), and Étienne Crépon, General Director of CEREMA, signing a framework agreement to develop synergies in engineering, infrastructure, and technical consulting. Lastly, Professor Abdelaziz El Hraiki, Director of the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute, and Jean-Paul Laclau, Deputy General Director of Research and Strategy at CIRAD, signed a framework agreement for scientific cooperation covering key areas such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, and fisheries science.
As reported by es.le360.ma.
