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Join on Telegram Rabat – In his first public appearance since beginning his mission in Morocco, France’s new ambassador, Philippe Lalliot, used the Paris Peace Forum’s Spring Meeting in Rabat to say that the Morocco-France partnership can “inspire others” at a time of global upheaval, while defending multilateralism, international law, and collective action in an increasingly fragmented world.
Speaking during the opening session of the forum’s second day, dedicated to the theme of “Resilient Transitions,” Lalliot argued that today’s global challenges require countries to work together rather than retreat into competing blocs.
“We are living through a moment of profound transformation,” he said. “Our ability to anticipate, absorb, and overcome shocks can only be collective and coordinated.”
The event was organized by the Paris Peace Forum in partnership with OCP Group and supported by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).
Drawing on his experience as former director of the Crisis Center at France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Lalliot described witnessing firsthand the growing number of conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, epidemics, and climate-related disasters around the world.
During those years, he said, he also observed “the weakening of the multilateral frameworks created after 1945,” alongside the return of power politics and repeated violations of international law.
Despite these trends, Lalliot rejected the idea that international cooperation has become obsolete. “Our presence here this morning demonstrates that peace and prosperity cannot be sustainable without collective reflection, shared diagnosis, and common solutions,” he said.
A recurring theme throughout his remarks was the defense of multilateralism at a time when global governance institutions face increasing pressure. According to Lalliot, the real division in today’s world is not between North and South, but between countries that support a rules-based international order and those that do not.
“The real fault line separates those who support multilateralism and the international order based on rules from those who don’t,” he said. “France will remain on the side of those who reject bloc politics.”
He also pushed back against claims that international law has lost its relevance.
“International law is not dead,” Lalliot declared. “Its founding principles are fair, and it must be defended because it is the shield of those who have none.”
At the same time, he acknowledged the difficulties facing global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, which he said struggles to fulfill its mission due to political obstruction and declining legitimacy. France, he added, continues to support reforms, including the expansion of permanent membership.
Lalliot linked these broader international debates to the forum’s theme of resilient transitions, arguing that resilience is not simply about reacting to crises but about building new forms of cooperation capable of managing economic, environmental, and geopolitical disruptions.
Morocco and France ‘leading by example’
The new French Ambassador also spoke about Morocco’s growing role in these efforts and pointed to the strategic partnership between Rabat and Paris as an example of international cooperation focused on long-term challenges.
He cited the launch earlier this week of a major €350 million (MAD 3.7 billion) program supporting Morocco’s national water strategy. Developed with Moroccan, European, French, German, and Italian partners, the initiative aims to strengthen water resource management, improve knowledge of groundwater reserves, address flood risks, and promote wastewater reuse.
Lalliot argued that the renewed partnership between France and Morocco offers lessons that could inspire other countries. “Our two countries have a responsibility to lead by example,” he said, noting their shared vision on major international challenges.
His remarks come at a significant moment in French-Moroccan relations. Lalliot formally began his mission this week after presenting copies of his credentials to Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Wednesday. He was then received by King Mohammed VI at the Royal Palace on Thursday.
The ambassador takes office as ties between Rabat and Paris enter a new phase following France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the basis for resolving the regional dispute. The move helped open what both countries have described as a renewed strategic partnership focused on economic cooperation, development, security, and regional stability.
