King Mohammed VI Hails ‘Historic’ New Phase in Morocco-France Relations
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: King Mohammed VI has described the evolving relationship between Morocco and France as entering a “historic” new phase, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Paris across political, economic, and security sectors.
In a congratulatory message to French President Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of France’s National Day, the Moroccan monarch said the two nations had opened a new chapter in their bilateral ties, driven by a shared determination to elevate their enhanced partnership to an exemplary level.
King Mohammed VI characterized the strengthened alliance as “a key factor for prosperity and a driver of a promising future,” emphasizing that Morocco and France are working to establish a more innovative and strategic framework for long-term cooperation across multiple sectors.
“I wish to reaffirm the Kingdom of Morocco’s determination to continue working with France, in the same spirit of friendship, trust, and commitment, to achieve the ambitious goals that Your Excellency and I have jointly set for our two countries,” the King said in his message.
The monarch noted that bilateral cooperation is increasingly focused on innovation, strategic planning, and sustainable structural collaboration, reflecting the shared vision of Rabat and Paris for a stronger partnership.
Relations between the two countries have gained significant momentum since France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024. President Macron stated at the time that “the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” making France the most influential European nation to endorse Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the basis for resolving the regional dispute.
Since then, Morocco and France have expanded cooperation in a range of areas, including infrastructure, renewable energy, education, transportation, investment, regional security, migration management, and preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
France has also increased its support for development projects in Morocco’s southern provinces, with French officials and business delegations visiting Laayoune and Dakhla in recent months to explore new investment opportunities.
The renewed partnership was further reinforced during President Macron’s visit to Morocco in late 2024, when he and King Mohammed VI signed a series of strategic agreements covering key sectors. The visit was widely viewed as the formal launch of a revitalized strategic alliance between the two longstanding partners.
