Morocco and France plan to strengthen their relations with the signing of an unprecedented treaty, which will take place during an upcoming visit by King Mohammed VI to France.
The news was announced by Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot after talks in Rabat.
The treaty would be the first of its kind Morocco signs with a European country, Bourita told reporters.
It would give bilateral relations a “unique and unprecedented character.”
After France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara territory, relations between the two countries gained strong momentum with nearly 40 ministerial meetings between officials from both countries.
“The French-Moroccan partnership is living its strongest era,” Bourita said.
Barrot confirmed that preparations were under way for a state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, describing it as a “historic milestone” in bilateral ties.
Barrot said the two countries will sign the treaty during the King’s visit, adding that the goal was to establish the framework for cooperation in the coming decades.
The two countries would hold a high-level intergovernmental meeting in Rabat in July, he said.
“Our agenda will be very dense in the weeks and months ahead,” Barrot said, adding that “all the engines of the Franco-Moroccan relationship are now running at full speed”.
Barrot reiterated French recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, calling the issue “existential” for Morocco and “strategic” for France.
France has also expanded its engagement in Morocco’s southern provinces, including by boosting its consular presence and opening cultural and visa services in Laayoune, Barrot said.
