Macron Salutes ‘Exceptional’ Morocco Ties at Paris Diplomatic Conference

Marrakech – French President Emmanuel Macron described Franco-Moroccan relations as exceptional during Thursday’s annual Conference of French Ambassadors in Paris. He noted the enormous potential for developing the reinforced exceptional partnership with Morocco.

“In this disordered world, we believe in consolidating partnerships. We have defended it, and we have acted on it,” Macron told the gathering of French diplomatic representatives. He referred to both the philosophy and effectiveness of these partnerships.

The French leader cited Morocco among the solid foundations of French Mediterranean diplomacy. He described the relationship as “the construction today of an extremely strong bond.”

Macron addressed the importance of economic diplomacy during his speech. He called for adapting French diplomatic action to ongoing geopolitical changes across the world.

The president also mentioned the need to strengthen partnerships across the African continent. “The African partnership is key, and we must complete the work accomplished in 2026,” Macron said. He urged ambassadors posted in Africa to work diligently toward this goal.

The annual ambassadors’ conference brings together France’s diplomatic representatives around the president. The gathering sets major foreign policy priorities for the coming year.

Franco-Moroccan relations reached new heights during Macron’s state visit to Morocco from October 28-30, 2024. The relationship was elevated to “reinforced exceptional partnership” status following his invitation by King Mohammed VI.

This partnership serves three main objectives outlined in a joint declaration. These include consolidating political and strategic convergence between both countries. The partnership also aims to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen cultural ties through francophone values.

France remains Morocco’s major economic partner with €14.1 billion in trade exchanges during 2023. Morocco ranks as France’s primary commercial partner in Africa. France serves as Morocco’s second-largest supplier and customer.

French companies maintain a significant presence in Morocco through nearly 1,000 subsidiaries. These enterprises employ 150,000 Moroccans directly and indirectly. France leads foreign investment in Morocco with €8.4 billion in stock, representing 31% of total foreign investment.

The tourism sector strengthens bilateral ties with 4.88 million French visitors in 2023. This represented 33% of total tourist arrivals to Morocco. France operates 44 accredited educational establishments in Morocco serving 48,820 students.

Moroccan students represent the largest foreign contingent in French higher education with 47,000 students in 2023-2024.

Scientific collaboration flourishes through 60-70 annual projects under the Hubert Curien “Toubkal” partnership. Research focuses on development, health, and social sciences.

France supports Morocco’s climate objectives, including the 45.5% greenhouse gas reduction target by 2030. Both countries signed a strategic energy partnership during Macron’s October visit.

Macron’s comments come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with Algeria. Franco-Algerian ties deteriorated following France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024.

Algeria recalled its ambassador to Paris and expelled 12 French diplomats in response. France reciprocated by expelling 12 Algerian diplomats and recalling its ambassador.

The ambassadors’ conference laid bare France’s Mediterranean strategic vision, casting Morocco’s partnership as a central pillar in Paris’s drive to consolidate regional alliances at a time of accelerating global uncertainty.

French diplomatic presence in Morocco includes the Rabat embassy and six consulates general. Twelve French Institute branches operate across Moroccan territory, supporting cultural exchange programs.