French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Morocco on Monday 28 October for a three-day state visit, marking a significant step in reinforcing the exceptional partnership between the two nations. The visit, at the invitation of HM King Mohammed VI, underscores the deep-rooted and multifaceted ties between France and Morocco.
During the visit, President Macron and King Mohammed VI signed the Declaration on the "Reinforced Exceptional Partnership" at the Royal Office in Rabat. This declaration aims to address shared challenges by mobilizing all relevant sectors of bilateral, regional, and international cooperation. The partnership seeks to deepen and modernize relations, promoting economic development, social cohesion, and strategic autonomy.
The Royal Cabinet's communiqué highlighted the profound historical and cultural ties that underpin the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. It emphasized the mutual commitment to propel the partnership towards a new phase, responding to the transformations of both nations and the shifting dynamics of the regional and international landscape.
In addition to the declaration, several bilateral agreements were signed, covering a wide range of sectors. These include energy, infrastructure, investment, and transportation. Notably, French rail manufacturer Alstom will supply up to 18 high-speed train cars to Morocco, and energy company Engie, along with the Moroccan Phosphates Office, signed a renewables agreement with potential investments reaching up to €3.5 billion. France's Total Energies also inked a deal to develop green hydrogen production in Morocco.
The agreements, worth up to €10 billion, reflect the strategic importance of the partnership and the shared ambition to foster sustainable development and innovation. The visit also included discussions on regional and international issues, with both leaders agreeing to work together to strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean, African, and Atlantic projection.
President Macron's visit is seen as a warm reunion between the two nations, following years of strained relations. It represents a renewed commitment to building a comprehensive, stable, and sustainable strategic framework for French-Moroccan relations, engaging all components of both states and fulfilling the aspirations of present and future generations.
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