French FM 'Impressed' by Morocco's Development Momentum

France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné on Monday said to be “impressed” by the development momentum that Morocco is experiencing under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

“Morocco has undergone profound changes. I am impressed by the reforms and projects led by His Majesty the King, placing human development at the heart of the development model embraced by the Kingdom,” he declared on Monday in Rabat during a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

Addressing bilateral relations, the French Foreign Minister asserted that Paris and Rabat are determined to renew and deepen their “exceptional” ties, agreeing on a “clear” and “ambitious” roadmap commensurate with the new challenges.

“To renew this bond, our roadmap is clear and ambitious. Our project must measure up to the new challenges of the century. Together or separately, with respect and transparency, or with a form of collective loyalty, we will be more capable,” he stated.

For Minister Séjourné, making his first visit to Morocco since his appointment, the two countries, sharing convergent interests, aim to build a dense and fruitful partnership for “the next thirty years.” He emphasized the areas in which both countries must work hand in hand to realize these goals.

“We must look at our challenges with great clarity. We must meet the expectations of our youth, transform our economy to decisively face the future in a rapidly changing and increasingly violent world,” he explained during the press conference following his discussions with Minister Bourita.

According to him, “the challenges are immense in technological, environmental, and security domains. We will approach these realities with ambition, and our source will be this ancient, exceptional, and unique bond that has allowed us to overcome so many challenges.”

The French Foreign Minister also advocated for an avant-garde partnership in renewable energies, training, and innovative industries.

In the same spirit, “together, we can undertake initiatives to address global challenges that require collective responses, including climate transition, wealth distribution, education, food security, counterterrorism, and the promotion of human rights,” he added.

Moreover, Minister Séjourné stressed the need for France and Morocco to contribute to peace and security amid the multiple crises shaking the world, notably the war in Ukraine and Gaza. He also praised Morocco’s “remarkable” role in favor of development and security in Africa.