Agadir 24 | Agadir24/UAE
His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, and His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, signed today, Monday, at the Royal Court in Rabat, the declaration regarding the exceptional and close partnership between the Kingdom. Morocco and the French Republic, aiming to enable the two countries to better address all the challenges facing them, by mobilizing all sectors concerned with bilateral, regional and international cooperation.
The following is the text of this announcement:
“1. – His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, decided, on the occasion of the latter’s state visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, during the period from 28 to 30 October 2024, to inaugurate a new phase in their long shared history. between France and Morocco by raising the relationship between the two countries to the level of an “exceptional and solid partnership.”
- The two heads of state stressed their common ambition for this partnership between France and Morocco to reflect:
– The depth of the existing relations between the two countries, which are rooted in history, and the strength of the human and cultural ties of rich and unique diversity, which form the basis of their friendship and cooperation for several decades;
– Their common will to invest in the partnership’s gains and complementarities to push it irreversibly towards a new stage, in strategic sectors that respond to the transformations taking place in countries and the fluctuations that characterize the regional and international context.
– Their desire to enable French-Moroccan relations with a comprehensive, stable and lasting strategic framework, through a solid partnership that looks to the future and enjoys support at the highest levels in both countries, while involving all their components and working to implement it in a concrete, advanced and innovative way, to respond to the aspirations of current and future generations. ;
– Their keenness to work as strategic partners in all fields, especially political dialogue, economic partnership, and humanitarian exchange.
– Their recognition of the valuable contribution of territorial groups, representative institutions, economic actors, youth and civil society, as well as Moroccans residing in France and French residents in Morocco, and their desire to continue strengthening their contribution to this partnership;
– Their desire to enable Morocco and France, through this “exceptional and strong partnership,” to better address all the challenges facing the countries, by mobilizing all sectors concerned with bilateral, regional and international cooperation.
- The two heads of state affirmed that the joint efforts made by the two countries at the bilateral and international levels will remain based on the following principles: the relationship between state and state, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and in foreign policy choices, respect for concluded commitments, trust, transparency, and prior consultation. The solidarity and responsibility of each party towards the other party.
- They affirmed their commitment to harnessing the “exceptional and strong partnership” to serve three major goals:
– Strengthening political and strategic rapprochement between Morocco and France to enable them to confront the current major challenges;
– Deepening and modernizing the partnership between the two countries in the service of economic development, social cohesion and their strategic independence;
– Continue to strengthen their distinguished cooperation in the field of human ties, human capital and culture, rooted in a Francophonie framework based on values and openness.
- In particular, it has identified several strategic sectors that could be given greater attention and effort: health security and vaccine production; water and water resources management; Agriculture, forest management and food security; Strengthening road, rail, marine and urban mobility infrastructure; Interconnection, energy transition, and renewable energies; and artificial intelligence; Cooperation in the fields of security and defence; Cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and university training; Cultural cooperation, especially in the field of cultural and creative industries and heritage; Cooperation in the field of sports and organizing major events, within the framework of the Olympic and Paralympic Games organized in Paris in 2024, and on the horizon of the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco.
The leaders of the two countries praise the ambitious cooperation they have established and strengthened in the field of migration, and call for the development of a comprehensive agenda in this field, which includes, at the same time, facilitating regular movements, combating irregular migration, cooperation in the field of readmission and preventing illegal departures, As well as strengthening coordination between source countries, transit countries, and countries of residence, on the basis of the principle of shared responsibility.
At the regional level, the leaders of the two countries stressed the pivotal importance they attach in their bilateral strategic dialogue to Africa and the Atlantic space, Euro-Mediterranean relations, and the Near and Middle East. They agreed to develop their consultations in order to encourage joint initiatives aimed at contributing collectively, with the countries concerned, to the security, stability and development of these regions. The President of the Republic praises the important work undertaken by His Majesty the King for the stability and development of Africa and the royal initiatives that have been launched in this regard. His Majesty the King is closely following the important efforts made by France to renew the existing partnership between France, the European Union and African countries and adapt it to the challenges of the twenty-first century, within the framework of mutual respect and common interests.
At the international level, the leaders of the two countries affirmed their strong will to contribute together to resolving the crises facing the international community, whether with regard to confronting the escalation of controversial tendencies and the decline of the rule of law, or with regard to improving the level of protection of common global assets (climate, environment, biodiversity, oceans), Especially in Africa and the Euro-Mediterranean space.
- The leaders of the two countries agreed to directly supervise the follow-up of the “exceptional and strong partnership” between Morocco and France. They will determine its priorities and give it the necessary momentum to make it successful. They will regularly, in particular through holding meetings as necessary, track the progress made in implementing the “Extraordinary Close Partnership.” They also agreed to appoint a small, equal-member strategic committee that would submit any proposal that would contribute to deepening the content of the “exceptional and strong partnership.” This committee plays a complementary role to the work of the bodies charged with leading forms of bilateral cooperation, and does not replace them.
- The leaders of the two countries affirmed that the scope of implementation of the “exceptional and close partnership” between Morocco and France includes the widest possible territorial scope, in light of the French position expressed on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, in which the President of the Republic affirmed the following: “I consider that there is The future of Western Sahara falls within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. […] For France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved. Our support for the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 is clear and firm. The latter constitutes, from now on, the only basis for reaching a political, just, sustainable, and negotiated solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”
In particular, the President of the Republic reiterated his commitment that France will continue to accompany Morocco’s efforts to achieve economic and social development in this region for the benefit of the local population.
Following the signing ceremony, His Majesty presented a gift to his distinguished guest.
The signing ceremony of the declaration regarding the “exceptional and strong partnership between Morocco and France” was attended, on the Moroccan side, by Messrs. Fouad Ali El Himma, Advisor to His Majesty the King, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Samira Sitail, His Majesty’s Ambassador to France, and on the French side, Emmanuel Beaune, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Republic, Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Morocco.
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### Interview with Dr. Amina Joundi, Expert on Franco-Moroccan Relations
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Joundi! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent landmark agreement signed between Morocco and France. Can you explain the significance of this “exceptional and solid partnership” that was announced?
**Dr. Joundi:** Thank you for having me. This partnership marks a new phase in Franco-Moroccan relations, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in various sectors. It’s significant not just for political and economic collaboration, but also for cultural and human ties, which have long been the backbone of this relationship.
**Editor:** The declaration mentions a focus on several strategic sectors such as health security and renewable energies. Which of these do you think will have the most immediate impact on both nations?
**Dr. Joundi:** While all sectors are crucial, initiatives in health security and renewable energies stand out. Given the ongoing global health challenges and the urgent need for climate action, investments in vaccine production and energy transition could dramatically enhance both countries’ resilience and self-sufficiency.
**Editor:** How do you see this partnership addressing the current global challenges, especially in light of the complexities faced by many nations today?
**Dr. Joundi:** This partnership aims to facilitate joint strategies to tackle prevalent issues such as migration, climate change, and economic instability. By pooling resources and knowledge, Morocco and France can offer robust solutions to these challenges, particularly through collaborative programs that focus on shared responsibilities.
**Editor:** The leaders emphasized the importance of a comprehensive agenda for migration. What could this entail?
**Dr. Joundi:** A comprehensive agenda for migration would encompass multiple elements: facilitating regular channels of migration, combating irregular migration, and enhancing coordination among countries involved. This collaborative approach is essential to creating a sustainable framework and ensuring respect for human rights throughout the migration process.
**Editor:** Lastly, Dr. Joundi, what do you perceive as the key takeaway from this partnership announcement for the future of Moroccan and French relations?
**Dr. Joundi:** The key takeaway is the mutual recognition of interdependence and shared values. As both countries face rapid changes in their regional and international contexts, this partnership can serve as a model for cooperation that prioritizes strategic dialogue, respects sovereignty, and is anchored in human connection. It’s about building a future together, addressing challenges collectively while honoring our historical ties.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Joundi. Your insights help illuminate the potential of this agreement and its implications for Morocco and France moving forward.
**Dr. Joundi:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this partnership unfolds in the coming years.
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Joundi! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent landmark agreement signed between Morocco and France. Can you explain the significance of this “exceptional and solid partnership” that was announced?
**Dr. Joundi:** Thank you for having me. This partnership marks a new phase in Franco-Moroccan relations, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in various sectors. It’s significant not just for political and economic collaboration, but also for cultural and human ties, which have long been the backbone of this relationship.
**Editor:** The declaration mentions a focus on several strategic sectors such as health security and renewable energies. Which of these do you think will have the most immediate impact on both nations?
**Dr. Joundi:** While all sectors are crucial, initiatives in health security and renewable energies stand out. Given the ongoing global health challenges and the urgent need for climate action, investments in vaccine production and energy transition could dramatically enhance both countries’ resilience and self-sufficiency.
**Editor:** How do you see this partnership addressing the current global challenges, especially in light of the complexities faced by many nations today?
**Dr. Joundi:** This partnership aims to facilitate joint strategies to tackle prevalent issues such as migration, climate change, and security concerns. By cooperating more closely, both nations can develop comprehensive strategies that address these challenges, leveraging their unique strengths to foster stability and shared growth in their regions.
**Editor:** There’s also an emphasis on cultural cooperation and human ties in the agreement. Can you elaborate on why this is essential?
**Dr. Joundi:** Absolutely! Cultural cooperation fosters understanding and strengthens relations at the societal level. Engaging youth, civil society, and businesses from both countries will create a more profound connection and mutual respect, ensuring that this partnership resonates beyond political and economic spheres and into the everyday lives of people.
**Editor:** what steps do you think need to be taken for this partnership to achieve its goals effectively?
**Dr. Joundi:** Effective implementation will require consistent dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. Establishing a structured follow-up mechanism, as mentioned in the declaration, along with active involvement from various stakeholders—governmental, civil, and private sectors—will be critical. Additionally, ensuring transparency and regular reviews of progress will help keep the partnership on track and dynamically adapt to changing circumstances.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Joundi, for sharing your insights on this important development in Franco-Moroccan relations!
**Dr. Joundi:** Thank you for having me!