France Hails Morocco as a “Precious Partner” in Security During High-Level Visit to Rabat

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has described Morocco as a “precious partner” in security cooperation, highlighting a new phase of strengthened diplomatic and operational ties between the two countries. The remarks came during his official visit to Rabat on Monday, following a strategic meeting with Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit.

Retailleau arrived in Rabat on Sunday evening for a brief but impactful visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and migration management. Speaking after the working session, he emphasized France’s trust in Morocco’s role in confronting terrorism and cross-border threats.

“This visit comes at a very particular moment,” said Retailleau. “We are witnessing a renewed energy in our bilateral relationship, one that extends across multiple fields, including security.”

The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries and underscored the ongoing momentum in Franco-Moroccan relations. Retailleau praised recent joint operations that led to the arrest of several major drug traffickers wanted by French authorities, crediting Morocco’s pivotal role in their success.

Describing the cooperation as part of an “unprecedented dynamic,” the French minister affirmed that both countries were committed to building on the Declaration of Enhanced Exceptional Partnership, signed by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron during Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024.

The ministers also explored ways to further align bilateral security strategies, highlighting the importance of sustained intelligence sharing and coordinated operations. Both sides acknowledged that such efforts have been vital in disrupting terrorist networks and organized crime affecting both nations.

Meanwhile, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita traveled to France on the same day at the invitation of his French counterpart, Gérald Darmanin, reinforcing the deepening dialogue between the two countries. The visit is seen as another step in the ongoing renewal of Franco-Moroccan relations, which have accelerated since President Macron’s 2024 visit.

During that visit, Macron reiterated France’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, calling it the only viable path toward resolving the Western Sahara issue—further solidifying the foundation of trust between Rabat and Paris.

Both nations now regard this period as a pivotal opportunity to consolidate their progress and embed their partnership in long-term, actionable cooperation across various sectors.