Macron’s visit to Morocco: what are the stakes for Franco-Moroccan cooperation?

During this historic trip, the French President and King Mohammed VI proceeded to sign a declaration on the Enhanced Partnership, a document which, according to Bourita, "marks the expression of a renewed ambition for a bilateral cooperation, firmly rooted in the principles of equality between States, transparency, solidarity and shared responsibility." In an interview with the magazine Le Point, the Moroccan Foreign Minister explained that this declaration "outlines the priority areas of collaboration - such as renewable energies or the modernization of rail and port infrastructures - called upon to become the foundations of an enriched and mutually beneficial relationship".

"The partnership is based on an approach of authentic collaboration, a true doing with Morocco, which consists of working together, recognizing and enhancing the potential of Moroccan companies," added Bourita, indicating that "the emblematic partnerships, around the High Speed Line and green hydrogen, embody this new spirit." The minister also stressed that "the governance of this partnership is also defined in the declaration: it will be under the direct supervision of the two Heads of State and monitored by a small committee, responsible for charting innovative paths and seizing opportunities to anchor the strengthening of this relationship over time."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also commented on France’s position on the Sahara, noting that it is an important position, insofar as this country is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an influential actor in the EU. Nasser Bourita recalled that nearly 20 out of the 27 EU countries support the Moroccan autonomy plan. "Today, all the conditions are in place to move forward," he continued, arguing that "the autonomy initiative enjoys the support of more than 112 countries around the world, including more than a quarter of the countries of the Americas, including the United States, nearly three-quarters of African states and EU member countries." The minister did not fail to deplore the status quo in the process of resolving the conflict in the Sahara, a situation that has an impact on the security of the region.

Nasser Bourita also mentioned the Atlantic initiative launched by King Mohammed VI, "offering Sahel countries access to Moroccan ports, storage areas, logistics infrastructure, fiber optics, and accompanying them in customs procedures. The idea is to open up the Sahel, to get it out of its isolation." "France, also engaged in this region, is pursuing its own objectives, but with its own approach," said the official, adding that "the common objective remains the stabilization of the Sahel, with the utmost respect for the choices of its peoples and with the firm will to promote their development."