Morocco and France Reaffirm Cultural Ties Amid Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, met with his French counterpart Rachida Dati yesterday in Paris to reinforce cultural cooperation between Morocco and France, building on a series of recently signed bilateral agreements.

The two ministers held in-depth discussions on advancing joint cultural projects, stressing the need to accelerate their implementation in light of the renewed momentum in French-Moroccan relations. This positive development, the Moroccan Ministry of Culture noted in a press release, stems from the “exceptional partnership” fostered by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Following the high-level talks, Ministers Bensaid and Dati co-hosted a reception in honor of the Moroccan delegation attending the Paris Book Fair, where Morocco is this year’s guest of honor. The event brought together distinguished intellectual, cultural, media, and political figures from both nations.

During his remarks at the reception, Bensaid hailed the recognition of Morocco at the fair, describing it as a symbol of the “unbreakable bond” between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of transforming shared histories and diverse narratives into bridges rather than barriers, stating:

“Between the two shores of the Mediterranean, to say that memory and the past should not divide but unite; between Europe and Africa, to show that demographic and migration challenges can be transformed into opportunities for investment in what we hold most dear: culture and youth.”

He further highlighted Morocco’s cultural strategy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, portraying culture as a pillar of inclusive development, civic engagement, and economic growth through the creative industries.

Bensaid concluded by expressing Morocco’s aspiration to co-write “a common book” with France — a future-oriented vision rooted in shared values and historical depth.

“This French-Moroccan friendship,” he said, “offers a vision for both continents, one that is passionate yet serene, rooted in the past but without resentment, and resolutely committed to a future of friendship and culture.”

The meeting and cultural celebration underscore the growing cooperation between Rabat and Paris in shaping a dynamic cultural dialogue between Europe and Africa.