The fifteenth high-level Morocco-France meeting has opened a fresh chapter in bilateral relations, with both nations committing to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres. Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch emphasized that these discussions come at a pivotal moment, providing an opportunity to assess progress and accelerate the implementation of commitments made under the strengthened exceptional partnership between the two countries.

“The timing of these talks is crucial,” Akhannouch stated. “They allow us to reflect on the path we have traveled together since October 2024 and to advance the implementation of our shared vision for a partnership that is ambitious, balanced, and capable of generating future opportunities for both nations.”

The meeting reflects the enduring commitment of King Mohammed VI to fostering a cooperative relationship with France that prioritizes mutual growth and innovation. French President Emmanuel Macron has also played a key role in driving this dynamic forward, reinforcing the exceptional partnership between the two nations.

Political and strategic alignment

In a world marked by increasing uncertainty and regional challenges, Morocco and France have strengthened their political and strategic dialogue, focusing on shared priorities such as regional stability, security, and economic cooperation. The convergence of their positions on key international issues has fostered a climate of trust and mutual respect, particularly in the Mediterranean, African, and Atlantic regions.

“France’s unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and its recognition of the Moroccan character of the Sahara have further solidified this trust,” Akhannouch noted. This alignment has created a robust foundation for deeper collaboration in addressing pressing regional and global challenges.

Since the last state visit by President Macron, Morocco and France have accelerated the implementation of major projects in industries such as decarbonization, infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, and innovation. The two nations have also prioritized the development of new value chains, with banking services emerging as a key pillar of their economic relationship.

Akhannouch highlighted the resilience and quality of Morocco-France cooperation, emphasizing the importance of technological transformation in areas like artificial intelligence, digitalization, applied research, and other strategic sectors that will enhance the competitiveness of both economies.

The human dimension: a cornerstone of Morocco-France relations

Beyond strategic and economic cooperation, the partnership between Morocco and France is rooted in a shared belief in the power of human connection. The exchange of knowledge, culture, and talent between the two societies—encompassing academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and the diaspora—plays a vital role in strengthening cultural ties and fostering mutual understanding.

In the realm of human capital, Morocco and France are advancing initiatives in higher education, scientific research, vocational training, innovation, and talent mobility. The two countries are also committed to promoting cultural exchanges, preserving shared heritage, and fostering intercultural dialogue, which form the bedrock of a lasting and dynamic relationship.

Morocco and France have reaffirmed their ambition to elevate their bilateral relations to new heights, guided by the vision of King Mohammed VI and President Macron. This new phase seeks to translate political commitments into tangible results, building a more effective, innovative partnership capable of addressing the shared challenges of the 21st century.

The two governments are determined to construct a partnership that is not only responsive to economic, technological, geopolitical, and human challenges but also serves as a catalyst for progress and stability in Africa.

A new chapter in bilateral relations

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

The primary objective of these commitments, he noted, is to elevate the Morocco-France partnership to new heights, fostering privileged inter-ministerial, political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. This collaboration aims to establish a unique governance framework between the two nations.

“France and Morocco are committed to consolidating a strategic partnership that strengthens their relationship with the European Union while serving as a bridge for renewed cooperation,” Lecornu explained. This partnership will be grounded in shared interests and oriented toward the development and stability of the African continent.

He further reaffirmed France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, which seeks to provide a definitive solution to the Sahara conflict.

Security remains a cornerstone of the strategic partnership, alongside addressing demographic and environmental challenges facing the continent. Morocco and France are set to enhance their coordination in combating terrorism and transnational threats, recognizing that regional stability demands increasingly close diplomatic and security collaboration.

The two governments have agreed on the need to take their bilateral relations to the next level, paving the way for a renewed dynamic that will project Morocco-France cooperation beyond bilateral frameworks. This partnership will serve as an instrument for development, stability, and integration across the African continent.

Lecornu concluded by emphasizing that this high-level meeting signals a new phase in deepening the Morocco-France partnership. “This momentum will prepare the ground for the upcoming state visit of King Mohammed VI to France,” he said. “This visit will be a landmark moment, potentially culminating in the signing of an exceptional friendship treaty designed to consolidate an unprecedented strategic partnership between the two countries.”

Key agreements signed

Foreign Ministers Nasser Bourita (Morocco) and Jean-Noël Barrot (France) signed a letter of intent on feminist foreign policy cooperation, aiming to strengthen feminist diplomacy at both ministerial and international levels.

Economy and Finance Ministers Nadia Fettah (Morocco) and Roland Lescure (France) signed a memorandum of understanding confirming financing for the high-speed rail project between Kenitra and Marrakech. Additionally, a joint declaration was signed to complement the water partnership agreement, formalized by Nadia Fettah, Roland Barrot, and Catherine Bonnaud, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Morocco. This agreement builds on the commitments made in the October 28, 2024, memorandum supporting Morocco’s national water policy.

Education Ministers Mohamed Berrada (Morocco) and Eléonore Caroit (France) signed a declaration of intent to promote Arabic language and history-geography education in French schools in Morocco, fostering bilingual competence.

Transport Ministers Abdessamad Kayouh (Morocco) and Philippe Tabarot (France) signed a three-year action plan (2026-2028) to implement technical cooperation in civil aviation. Kayouh also signed a partnership agreement with François Lambert, Director of the French National Maritime School (ENSM), to strengthen scientific and pedagogical exchanges between ENSM and Morocco’s Higher Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM).

Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour (Morocco) and Christelle Geneste Defaye (representing La Poste Group) signed a cooperation agreement to adapt postal services to new challenges and enhance collaboration between the two operators.

In the cultural sector, Youth, Culture, and Communication Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid (Morocco) and his French counterpart Catherine Pegard signed declarations of intent on cinema and the African moving image, as well as artistic exchanges. Bensaid also signed a strategic partnership agreement with Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Arab World Institute, to establish a framework for cultural, intellectual, and civic cooperation.

The Director General of the Public Laboratory for Testing and Studies (LPEE), Hammou Bensaadout, and the Director General of the Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility, and Development (CEREMA), signed a framework cooperation agreement covering engineering, port infrastructure, and maritime expertise.

Finally, Abdelaziz El Hraiki, Director of the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV), and Jean-Paul Laclau, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Centre for Agronomic Research for Development (CIRAD), signed a framework agreement on scientific cooperation in agriculture, veterinary medicine, fisheries, and aquaculture.