French-Moroccan Cooperation is "Necessary" (French Official)

Cooperation and partnership between Morocco and France, two more than friendly countries, is necessary, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said on Friday in Rabat.

In a statement to the press following his talks with Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, the French minister recalled that this is his first official trip outside the European Union, adding that this meeting was an opportunity to discuss topics related to national security, the fight against terrorism and means to improve the common work carried out by the two countries.

The objective is to guarantee Moroccans and the French a better world, despite the context of the health crisis and diplomatic crises outside our borders, he said.

Darmanin also thanked the Moroccan government for the efforts made in the fight against drug trafficking, stressing that France also wishes to protect Morocco from the trafficking from Europe towards the Kingdom.

On his meeting with Minister of endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Taoufiq, Darmanin noted that he will discuss what the French government wants to do, in accordance with the bill (Editor’s note: on separatism) submitted at the request of the President of the Republic, “and to do so in particular connection with Morocco, with whom we have long-standing, friendly relations, based on respect and trust”.

“I will have the opportunity to discuss these topics with Taoufiq and see how we can improve things and understand the constraints of all parties,” he added.

The French Interior Minister is on a two-day visit to the Kingdom of Morocco during which he will also meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita.

The French official, who visited on Thursday the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, welcomed on this occasion the huge effort by HM King Mohammed VI to promote culture and cultural openness.