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Rabat – In a keynote address to Morocco’s Parliament today, French President Emmanuel Macron urged a revitalized Franco-Moroccan partnership to tackle shared challenges, focusing on interfaith cooperation, the fight against terrorism, and the management of illegal migration.
Macron characterized France’s connection with Morocco as a “unique bond of friendship” and pointed out the importance of beginning a “new chapter” of strategic collaboration as the nations celebrate a milestone anniversary.
“I see the opportunity and necessity to write a new book to face and meet the challenges of the century,” Macron told Parliament, envisioning a partnership that would bring together France, Morocco, the European Union, as well as the wider Maghreb region.
“This is a historic opportunity, yes, I would even say a strategic duty, to build a project that offers our people and our economies the possibility of prosperity, security, and a completely new horizon,” he added.
Macron described interfaith harmony as a central pillar of his vision, commending Morocco’s longstanding role in fostering religious tolerance and inclusivity. “The time ahead brings both responsibility and new hopes,” he remarked, urging France and Morocco to “lay the foundations of an enhanced partnership” to benefit future generations.
The French president also addressed illegal migration as a priority, calling for collaborative policies to manage it effectively. “I am thinking of illegal immigration and the need for natural and fluid cooperation in consular matters,” he said, describing it as “a question of mutual trust” that resonates deeply with the concerned parties.
Turning to shared threats of terrorism and organized crime, Macron affirmed that the two countries “must continue to be tirelessly united” in countering extremism and criminal networks.
“Our responsibility is to build a controlled space of security and safety,” he said, urging closer judicial cooperation to combat narcotrafficking and other crimes affecting both nations.
Macron’s address reinforced a vision of a Franco-Moroccan partnership rooted in shared values and cooperation on critical issues like migration, counter-terrorism, and interfaith understanding.
By working together to create “a secure and controlled space” grounded in trust and mutual respect, Macron expressed hope that France and Morocco can pave the way for a Mediterranean region where people, cultures, and ideas flourish peacefully.
On Monday, Macron arrived in Morocco for a three-day state visit, accompanied by his wife and a large delegation. On the first day, Morocco and France signed 22 new agreements across various sectors, including transport, energy, and cultural cooperation.
The French president still has some important items on today’s agenda for the sake of expanding bilateral ties, including a gaming session featuring French and Moroccan professionals from both the creative and gaming industries, followed by a dinner hosted by King Mohammed VI at the royal palace.
