Morocco and France are working together on a groundbreaking partnership agreement that will be finalized during King Mohammed VI’s upcoming state visit to France, foreign ministers from both nations announced Wednesday.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita revealed to reporters that this will mark Morocco’s first treaty with any European nation, following discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Rabat. The ministers did not provide a timeline for the royal visit.
The diplomatic relationship between the two countries has strengthened significantly after Paris acknowledged Rabat’s authority over the contested Western Sahara region in 2024.
“Moroccan-French partnership is living its best era at all levels,” Bourita stated, highlighting cooperation in defense manufacturing, security matters, and aviation sectors.
Barrot emphasized the historic nature of the agreement, noting “this will be the first treaty of its kind with a non-European country.” He explained the pact aims to establish a foundation for enduring bilateral relations, though specific terms and provisions were not disclosed by either side.
Regarding the Western Sahara dispute, Barrot confirmed France supports renewed direct negotiations between all involved parties, based on autonomy under Moroccan control and consistent with UN Security Council resolution 2797. This stance has strained France’s relationship with Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s independence movement for Western Sahara.
Barrot described Morocco as France’s primary economic ally in Africa and a crucial logistical and financial gateway to the continent, making collaboration “natural” between the nations.
As France has reduced its footprint in West Africa and the Sahel region, Morocco has grown its regional presence through various sectors including commerce, fertilizer production, banking, telecommunications, and construction enterprises.
