Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Bruno Le Maire, is on a two-day visit to Morocco, marking a significant step towards a revitalized economic partnership between the two nations.
Le Maire’s trip, the latest in a series of high-level exchanges between Paris and Rabat, highlights a shared commitment to propelling French-Moroccan diplomatic relations into a new era of cooperation.
The French minister said in comments on Thursday that his visit focuses on a strong message: decarbonized energy as the cornerstone of a renewed Franco-Moroccan economic relationship.
In a speech to students at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Rabat campus yesterday, Le Maire emphasized the strategic importance of energy independence, drawing parallels between the energy crisis of 1973 and 2020.
Karim El Aynaoui, Dean of Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences (left) and Bruno Le Maire French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty (right)
He argued that a reliance on foreign oil and gas creates vulnerabilities, hindering economic growth and political stability.
“History is always particularly important for understanding how to build the future. We must be energy independent.” Le Maire argued. “This is the choice of the President of the Republic, the choice of the French government, and it must be at the heart of the new energy partnership between Morocco and France.”
Multi-faceted energy partnership
He proposed a three-pronged approach to solidify the energy partnership between his country and Morocco.
First, Le Maire proposed collaboration in nuclear energy, highlighting the potential of Small and Medium Reactors (SMRs) to meet Morocco’s energy needs efficiently.
He emphasized the reliability and cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy, especially through SMRs, which can cater to the requirements of medium-sized cities or industries. “Nuclear energy is available all the time. It’s available at a reasonable cost,” He pointed out.
Bruno Le Maire’s visit to the UM6P campus in Rabat
Secondly, the French minister suggested joint hydrogen production and export, leveraging France’s expertise in the field. This partnership would capitalize on Morocco’s renewable energy resources and France’s industrial capabilities.
Le Maire stressed the importance of equal cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing collaboration from “great people to great people, from great nation to great nation.”
Lastly, he expressed France’s readiness to finance the construction of an essential electrical connection between Dakhla and Casablanca.
This initiative would strengthen Morocco’s internal energy infrastructure and set the stage for broader regional energy cooperation.
Karim El Aynaoui, Dean of Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences
Following discussions with Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhnnouch, Le Maire reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the construction of a decarbonized energy transport line between the two cities.
“The choice that has been made is very clear: to participate in the financing of a decarbonized energy transport line between Darflar and Casablanca,” he emphasized.
Le Maire’s visit follows a period of significant progress in implementing a shared “ambitious” roadmap between France and Morocco. This roadmap covers major future investments, security cooperation, cultural exchanges, and collaboration on global challenges.
Prior to Le Maire’s visit, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and French Foreign Trade Minister Franck Riester both traveled to the North African country to renew Paris’s commitment to this roadmap.
A new era of cooperation
Meanwhile, Le Maire’s emphasis on energy reflects a broader trend. As the global landscape shifts, France and Morocco are strategically repositioning themselves to be trendsetters in the global adoption of energy efficiency.
By placing decarbonized energy at the heart of their economic partnership, France and Morocco aim not only to strengthen their bilateral ties, but also to position themselves as leaders in the transition to a clean energy future.
Bruno Le Maire French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty
With the rise of protectionist policies and a “new globalization” taking shape, both nations recognize the importance of forging strong partnerships with key allies.
Le Maire captured this sentiment, stating: “We want, in this globalization, Franco-Moroccan friendship, the very strong relationship that exists between our two nations, to carry new economic projects.”
Le Maire’s personal connection to Morocco also added another layer to his Rabat visit, — and the evolving strategic partnership between France and Morocco.
Bruno Le Maire Conference at the UM6P campus in Rabat
He expressed this connection during his speech to UM6P students, stating: “I have never hidden the personal friendship I have for the Moroccan people and for Morocco. I want to make it a lever for this revival of economic relations between our two countries as well.”
