Morocco and France sign landmark Rabat Declaration for reinforced partnership

KUALA LUMPUR: In a historic move to strengthen the longstanding ties between Morocco and France, Moroccan King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the Rabat Declaration on a "reinforced exceptional partnership" during Macron's state visit to Morocco on Monday.

According to the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP), the signing ceremony took place at the Royal Office in Rabat, marking a new chapter in the relations between the two nations.

The two leaders shared their vision of propelling the partnership into a new phase that addresses contemporary challenges and dynamics at both regional and international levels, according to MAP.

The declaration highlights the profound historical, cultural, and human connections underpinning the friendship and cooperation between Morocco and France for decades.

The partnership focuses on three key pillars; political and strategic alignment to tackle global challenges, economic development and strategic autonomy to promote growth and social cohesion, and enhanced cooperation in education, human capital, and culture, rooted in shared Francophonie values.

This framework aims to modernise and strengthen their bilateral relations, it added.

The declaration identifies key sectors for enhanced cooperation between Morocco and France, including health safety and vaccine production, water resources management, agriculture and food security, and infrastructure development.

It also emphasises energy transition and renewables, artificial intelligence (AI), security and defence, education and scientific research, cultural and creative industries, and the organisation of sports and major events, areas that will see intensified efforts to strengthen and modernise the bilateral partnership.

The declaration addresses key areas of cooperation, including a comprehensive agenda on migration to facilitate legal mobility, combat irregular immigration, and enhance coordination with origin, transit, and destination countries.

Regionally, the focus will be on Africa, the Atlantic, Euro-Mediterranean ties, and the Near and Middle East, with both leaders aiming to contribute to the security, stability, and development of these regions, it added.

On a global scale, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing crises, enhancing the rule of law, and protecting global public goods like climate and biodiversity.

The implementation of the partnership will be directly overseen by both leaders, with a strategic monitoring committee established.

The declaration also reiterates France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara and commits to supporting the region's economic and social development.

Key officials from both countries attended the signing ceremony.

-- BERNAMA