The Moroccan-French partnership is experiencing its most important and strongest momentum at all levels, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita said on Wednesday in Rabat.

Speaking at a press briefing following talks with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, held on the sidelines of the 2nd Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in a Francophone Environment, co-chaired by Morocco and France, Bourita stressed that this partnership contributes not only to strengthening relations between the two countries, but also has an impact on security and stability at the regional level.

He noted that Barrot’s visit, within the framework of this conference, comes in a very positive context for the Moroccan-French partnership, strengthened during the State visit in October 2024 by President Emmanuel Macron and his talks with His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.

Since then, more than 40 meetings have brought together Moroccan and French ministers, illustrating the strength of bilateral relations, Bourita noted, adding that these meetings have largely contributed to consolidating partnerships in several fields, notably economic, security, consular and human affairs.

They have also made it possible, in implementation of the High Instructions of His Majesty the King and the French President, to open new prospects for advanced cooperation in key sectors such as cybersecurity, defense industries and aeronautics, he pointed out, noting that these sectors reflect “a strong and technology-oriented partnership focused on the future between Morocco and France.”

Moreover, he noted that the 2nd Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in a Francophone Environment aims to transform the significant contribution of Francophone countries to peacekeeping operations into a real lever of influence and concrete tools serving security, stability and peacebuilding within the Francophone sphere and beyond.

He stressed that the “Rabat Declaration,” adopted during this conference, will serve as a reference for Francophone countries in their contribution to the reform of United Nations peacekeeping operations scheduled for the coming months, so that these States can “speak with one voice and work to make these operations more effective and more efficient.”

This Declaration insists on the need to adapt peacekeeping missions to realities on the ground and to avoid terminology or mandates that have become outdated and unsuited to developments in the field, he emphasized.

After praising the French contribution to the success of this conference, Bourita assured that Morocco and France will continue their action as co-chairs in order, initially, to present the conclusions of the “Rabat Declaration” to States and within the United Nations, with the aim of making it a reference in the management and reform of peacekeeping operations at the UN level.

The minister also indicated that the meeting with Barrot provided an opportunity to discuss several regional and international issues and once again commend France’s clear position regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue.

This position, which was not limited to a statement, “was followed by structured actions and initiatives moving toward an objective shared by the leaders of the two countries,” namely that “the current dynamic does not seek to designate a winner and a loser, but to put an end to this regional dispute with its human consequences and repercussions on the stability and economy of the region,” he stressed.

Bourita highlighted the opportunity currently available to resolve this regional dispute within the framework of the Autonomy Plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole basis for settlement, specifying that this initiative has now become a UN reference in light of UN Security Council Resolution 2797.

He affirmed that the French position aligns with that of the United Nations as expressed in the Security Council resolution, expressing hope for positive results that would put an end to this artificial conflict.

On another matter, the minister indicated that discussions also covered the situation in the Middle East, the Sahel-Saharan region and Africa, noting the convergence of views and the determination of both countries to act together, as partners, in favor of stability and development on the African continent.