The Morocco-France relations, which are “unique, unparalleled, and deeply rooted in history,” are called upon to be renewed to adapt to various developments at the bilateral, regional, and international levels, said Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, on Monday in Rabat.
Based on mutual interests in various fields, Rabat and Paris maintain state-to-state relations, which are expected to be renewed within the framework of mutual respect and close coordination, Bourita stated during a joint press conference following his talks with the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Séjourné. He noted that France is a privileged partner of Morocco in political, economic, and human aspects.
Bilateral relations are currently in a “renewal and development phase in terms of content, approaches, and actors to align with the changes on the international scene and the developments in both countries,” he added.
He also pointed out that Séjourné’s visit to Morocco is part of the firm determination of HM King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron to boost the bilateral strategic partnership on strong foundations, capitalizing on the solid historical and human bases underlying these relations, while benefiting from the achievements recorded in this partnership over decades.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted that thanks to the reforms initiated under the guidance of HM King Mohammed VI, both politically and economically, Morocco now positions itself as a reliable and credible actor among its partners.
“Under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco has become a pole of stability, a political force, and a crucial player in its environment,” he asserted.
Bourita also mentioned that discussions with Séjourné provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations in anticipation of upcoming milestones between the two countries.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of preparing for these milestones by supporting the exchange of sectoral ministerial visits and exploring new horizons for the conclusion of agreements and initiatives to strengthen these ties and initiate a true turning point in bilateral relations, he further noted
The talks also covered regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East, the catastrophic humanitarian repercussions of the Israeli aggression against Gaza, and the means, as highlighted by HM King Mohammed VI, to establish a ceasefire, ensure the delivery of aid, facilitate the creation of conditions for a political process, reject the forced displacement of Palestinians, and preserve the Arab-Islamic identity of Al-Quds, the minister continued.
Morocco warns against actions and decisions that could exacerbate tensions during the month of Ramadan around the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the city of Al-Quds, he insisted.
Bourita also indicated that he discussed with his French counterpart ways to strengthen joint action in Africa and the Sahel region.