The enhanced exceptional partnership between Morocco and France stands as a powerful tool for projecting stability amid the world’s major fluctuations, stated French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on Wednesday in Rabat.

Barrot gave his remarks during a joint press briefing following his talks with the Moroccan Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the 2nd Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in the Francophone Environments.

“French-Moroccan relations are decidedly emerging as an exceptional model” marked by fruitful cooperation across various sectors, including industry, energy, security, defense, culture and digital technology, in the service of both peoples’ interests, he observed.

He noted that the two countries are working together to build future-oriented projects in Africa and for Africa. “Morocco is France’s leading economic partner in Africa and a major logistical, energy and financial hub.”

Commending the momentum of this partnership, Barrot emphasized that the two countries have chosen to explore new areas of cooperation to further advance their “unique” bilateral relations, specifying that since President Emmanuel Macron’s State visit to the Kingdom in 2024, significant achievements have been accomplished.

During that visit, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the French President had “set a clear and ambitious roadmap, which we have implemented while ensuring the momentum of our partnership continues to grow,” he added.

Barrot also welcomed the “positive dynamic” surrounding the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, reiterating France’s support for the autonomy plan put forward by Morocco as the only basis for a “just, lasting and negotiated” political solution.

He further reaffirmed France’s determination to support the significant efforts undertaken by Morocco to develop this region, recalling that France has expanded its consular presence and cultural activities, with the opening of a visa application submission center and the establishment of an “Alliance Française” in Laayoune, Southern Morocco.

Turning to the Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in the Francophone Environment, the minister stressed that it illustrates what Morocco and France can achieve together in promoting effective multilateralism.