Rabat – French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described Morocco as a “precious partner” in security matters during a visit to Rabat on Monday, marking a new chapter in diplomatic and operational ties between the two countries.
Retailleau landed in Rabat on Sunday evening for a brief yet strategic trip focused on strengthening cooperation and addressing migration management between France and Morocco.
Speaking after a working session with his Moroccan counterpart Abdelouafi Laftit today, Retailleau said France places strong trust in Morocco, particularly when it comes to confronting terrorism and other cross-border threats.
The meeting brought together senior officials from the two sides and reflected the current momentum in Franco-Moroccan relations.
“This visit comes at a very particular moment,” Retailleau said. “We are witnessing a renewed energy in our bilateral relationship, one that extends across multiple fields, including security.”
He pointed to recent joint efforts that led to the arrest of several major drug traffickers wanted by French authorities. He credited Morocco’s role in the success of these operations and described the cooperation as part of an “unprecedented dynamic” between the two countries.
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The ministers also explored ways to bolster bilateral coordination in line with the Declaration of Enhanced Exceptional Partnership, signed by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron during Macron’s October 2024 state visit.
The two countries reviewed issues of mutual concern and noted the importance of maintaining close coordination between their security services. Intelligence sharing and operational collaboration have helped contain terrorist threats and disrupt criminal networks in both countries, according to the ministers.
On the same day, Bourita traveled to France at the invitation of his French counterpart Barrot.
The visit marked a new step in the steady renewal of dialogue between France and Morocco, which has gained pace since Macron’s official trip to the country in October 2024.
During that visit, Macron affirmed the depth of the countries’ bilateral ties and expressed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity as the sole realistic path toward resolving the Western Sahara dispute.
Both sides now see this phase as a chance to review progress and anchor ties in concrete, long-term cooperation.
