France has thanked Morocco for arresting 16 individuals suspected of involvement in serious crimes, including drug trafficking, murder, fraud, and money laundering.
France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed his country’s gratitude to Morocco, describing the operation as the result of strengthened judicial cooperation between the two countries.
Darmanin wrote on X that extradition requests for the French nationals have been initiated, while formal judicial referrals have been submitted for dual nationals who cannot be extradited so that they “may be prosecuted and tried by the Moroccan authorities.”
Darmanin concluded his social media post by thanking the Moroccan authorities for their judicial cooperation in the fight against organized crime and for helping ensure the security of the two countries through this major operation.
International partners, including France, have long emphasized Morocco’s key role in countering organized and transnational crime at all levels.
France reiterated the importance of Morocco’s cooperation during the 15th High-Level Meeting, which brought several ministers to Rabat last week.
The visit was led by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who said the renewed partnership between the two countries had already produced “exceptionally positive” results across key sectors, including security and defense.
Lecornu stressed that France sees Morocco as a key partner in strengthening relations with the European Union and addressing shared priorities across Africa, including security.
A survey on French public opinion published earlier this year showed that Morocco is perceived as the most trusted African partner for France.
The findings come from Toluna Harris Interactive for MGH Partners and reflect broader shifts in how French respondents assess international alliances at a time of global uncertainty.
The study shows that 72% of French respondents consider it a good idea for France to maintain privileged relations with Morocco. Nearly one in five even describe this relationship as very positive.
Respondents associate Morocco with cooperation on security matters, particularly counterterrorism and efforts to manage irregular migration. These areas appear central to shaping public confidence.
