Macron and King Mohammed VI sign 22 new agreements
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Morocco where he was welcomed by Moroccan King Mohammed VI at the airport and later at the Mechouar Palace in Rabat.
Macron is on a three-day official visit, accompanied by a delegation of politicians and businessmen to discuss joint economic projects.
Following their talks, Macron and King Mohammed VI are set to witness the signing of an agreement, which aims to foster cooperation in areas such as energy, water, and education, further bolstering ties between France and Morocco.
France and Morocco significantly strengthened their bilateral ties today with the signing of 22 new agreements in Rabat, witnessed by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron. The comprehensive partnership spans multiple sectors, marking a new chapter in Franco-Moroccan relations.
The transportation sector saw major developments with Morocco's National Railways Office (ONCF) securing contracts with French giant Alstom for high-speed trains, while additional agreements with Sistra Egis and Goslo Cogifer aim to enhance rail infrastructure. These deals build upon previous successes, such as the Casablanca-Tangier high-speed rail line launched in 2018.
In the energy sector, partnerships with TotalEnergies and Safran, alongside a memorandum between OCP and the French Development Agency (AFD), focus on decarbonization and renewable energy. These align with Morocco's ambitious goal to source 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45%.
The agreements extend to education, with a 2024-2026 cooperation declaration strengthening university partnerships. France remains the primary destination for Moroccan students, hosting over 45,000 in 2023. The partnership also encompasses civil protection, port infrastructure, water management, and agriculture.