King Mohammed VI: Morocco-France Partnership Driver of ‘Promising Future’

Rabat – King Mohammed VI said Morocco and France have entered a “historic” new phase in their relationship, using his message to French President Emmanuel Macron on France’s National Day to highlight the rapid strengthening of bilateral ties over the past year. 

The King said the two countries are working to build a more strategic and innovative partnership, reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to advancing the ambitious goals jointly set by Rabat and Paris.

In his congratulatory message, King Mohammed VI described the enhanced partnership between Morocco and France as “a key factor for prosperity and a driver of a promising future.” He said the two countries, “thanks to our shared will,” had opened a historic chapter in their bilateral relations, aimed at elevating their enhanced exceptional partnership to an exemplary level.

The monarch also stated that Morocco and France are developing a new framework for cooperation that is increasingly based on innovation, strategic planning, and long-term structural collaboration across multiple sectors.

“I wish to reaffirm the Kingdom of Morocco’s determination to continue working with France, in the same spirit of friendship, trust, and commitment, to achieve the ambitious goals that Your Excellency and I have jointly set for our two countries,” the King wrote.

The message comes almost two years after relations between Rabat and Paris reached a major turning point following President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Read also: France Renews Steadfast Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

In July 2024, Macron stated that “the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” making France the most influential European country to officially support Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only basis for resolving the regional dispute. The move marked a significant shift in French policy and was welcomed by Rabat as a historic diplomatic breakthrough.

Since then, cooperation between the two countries has accelerated across political, economic, and security sectors.

Macron visited Morocco in late 2024, where he and King Mohammed VI signed a series of agreements covering infrastructure, energy, education, transportation, and investment. The visit was widely seen as the launch of a renewed strategic partnership between the two longtime allies.

France has also increasingly supported development projects in Morocco’s southern provinces, including investment initiatives in Laayoune and Dakhla. French officials and business delegations have visited the region in recent months, reflecting Paris’ growing engagement following its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.

The renewed partnership has extended beyond economic cooperation. The two countries have strengthened coordination on regional security, migration, and preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.