Macron Hails Franco-Moroccan Ties as Exceptional at French Ambassadors’ Conference

Paris, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron has described relations between France and Morocco as exceptional, highlighting their vast potential during Thursday’s annual Conference of French Ambassadors in Paris.

Addressing French diplomatic representatives, Macron said the reinforced exceptional partnership with Morocco reflects France’s commitment to consolidating strong alliances in an increasingly uncertain global environment. “In this disordered world, we believe in consolidating partnerships. We have defended it, and we have acted on it,” he said, underscoring both the philosophy and effectiveness of France’s diplomatic engagements.

The French leader cited Morocco as one of the solid foundations of France’s Mediterranean diplomacy, characterizing the bilateral relationship as “the construction today of an extremely strong bond.” He also stressed the importance of economic diplomacy and called for adapting French diplomatic action to ongoing geopolitical shifts worldwide.

Macron further emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships across Africa, describing cooperation with the continent as a strategic priority. “The African partnership is key, and we must complete the work accomplished in 2026,” he said, urging French ambassadors posted in Africa to intensify their efforts.

The annual ambassadors’ conference brings together France’s diplomatic corps to outline key foreign policy priorities for the year ahead.

Franco-Moroccan relations were elevated to a “reinforced exceptional partnership” following Macron’s state visit to Morocco from October 28 to 30, 2024, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI. A joint declaration outlined three core objectives: consolidating political and strategic convergence, deepening economic cooperation, and strengthening cultural ties through shared francophone values.

France remains Morocco’s leading economic partner, with bilateral trade reaching €14.1 billion in 2023. Morocco is France’s primary commercial partner in Africa, while France is Morocco’s second-largest supplier and customer. Nearly 1,000 French subsidiaries operate in Morocco, employing about 150,000 people directly and indirectly. France also leads foreign investment in the country, with €8.4 billion in investment stock, accounting for 31 percent of total foreign investment.

Tourism further underpins bilateral ties, with 4.88 million French visitors traveling to Morocco in 2023, representing 33 percent of total arrivals. France operates 44 accredited educational institutions in Morocco serving nearly 49,000 students, while Moroccan students constitute the largest foreign student community in French higher education, numbering around 47,000 in the 2023–2024 academic year.

Scientific cooperation continues through 60 to 70 joint projects annually under the Hubert Curien “Toubkal” partnership, focusing on development, health, and social sciences. France also supports Morocco’s climate objectives, including a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45.5 percent by 2030. A strategic energy partnership was signed during Macron’s October visit.

Macron’s remarks come amid strained Franco-Algerian relations following France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024. Algeria subsequently recalled its ambassador to Paris and expelled 12 French diplomats, prompting reciprocal measures by France.

The ambassadors’ conference underscored France’s Mediterranean strategic vision, positioning the partnership with Morocco as a central pillar of Paris’s efforts to consolidate regional alliances amid growing global uncertainty. France maintains a strong diplomatic and cultural presence in Morocco through its embassy in Rabat, six consulates general, and 12 French Institute branches across the country.