In a move reflecting the strengthening of bilateral relations between Morocco and France, the President of the Moroccan House of Councillors, Mohamed Laârassi, welcomed his French counterpart, Gérard Larcher, during a high-level parliamentary meeting at the House of Councillors in Rabat.
🇫🇷🤝🇲🇦 Accueil de la délégation du @Senat à #Rabat par Mohamed Ould Errachid, Président de la Chambre des Conseillers du #Maroc pour renforcer nos liens interparlementaires et l’amitié entre nos deux pays. @AmbaFranceMaroc pic.twitter.com/Wa1NW6mkV7
— Gérard Larcher (@gerard_larcher) February 23, 2025
This meeting, which is part of a working visit by a French parliamentary delegation, marks a new milestone in Moroccan-French relations, especially after the historic visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco last October.
A Renewed Dynamic in Moroccan-French Relations
During the meeting, Laârassi emphasized that the relations between the two countries are experiencing a renewed dynamic, supported by the strong political will of Moroccan and French leaders, represented by King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron. He noted that Macron’s recent visit to Morocco was a catalyst for the signing of a joint declaration that sets a forward-looking vision for the future of bilateral relations, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in vital economic and strategic areas.
A question arises: What areas could see greater cooperation between the two countries in the future? Could this cooperation extend to new areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation?
Parliamentary Diplomacy: A Key Lever for Cooperation
Laârassi highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as an effective tool for strengthening bilateral relations, noting that coordination between the legislative institutions of Morocco and France has played a central role in maintaining the momentum of these relations. He expressed hope that the fifth session of the Moroccan-French Parliamentary Forum would be held this year, which would strengthen parliamentary dialogue and elevate the partnership to new heights.
A question to ponder: How could parliamentary diplomacy contribute to resolving outstanding issues between the two countries, especially in the context of current geopolitical challenges?
The Moroccan Sahara: Strong French Support
When discussing the primary national cause, the Moroccan Sahara, Laârassi praised France’s positive stance, which considers the future of the southern provinces to be within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. He affirmed that this position aligns with the growing international support for Morocco’s vision on this issue, particularly in light of the comprehensive developmental renaissance taking place in these regions with broad participation from local populations.
An important question: How can Morocco strengthen its international position on the Sahara issue by deepening cooperation with strategic allies like France? Could Larcher’s visit to Laayoune be a strong message in support of Morocco’s stance?
Moroccan Reforms: A Model to Follow
Laârassi reviewed the major reforms led by King Mohammed VI in various regions of the Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of development projects launched by Morocco, particularly in areas such as women’s empowerment, social protection, and the development of strategic sectors like agriculture and renewable energy. He affirmed that these reforms reflect Morocco’s commitment to building a comprehensive and sustainable development model.
A question for analysis: How can Morocco benefit from French expertise in areas such as decentralization and regionalization to strengthen its internal reforms?
Larcher’s Vision: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
For his part, Gérard Larcher expressed his satisfaction with this visit, which he sees as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and reaffirm France’s commitment to continuing cooperation with Morocco. He noted that President Macron‘s visit to the Kingdom opened a new chapter in relations between the two countries, emphasizing the need to activate parliamentary cooperation to help write this new chapter.
Larcher also praised the reforms underway in Morocco, particularly in promoting the role of women in society, affirming France’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Morocco in priority areas such as the economy, development, and regionalization.
A final question: What mechanisms could enhance parliamentary cooperation between the two countries to achieve common goals in political, economic, and social areas?
Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership Enhancing Security and Stability
This parliamentary meeting between Laârassi and Larcher is a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Morocco and France, especially in the context of current regional and international challenges. By enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and developmental areas, the two countries can solidify an exceptional partnership that benefits their peoples and contributes to stability and security in the region.
A final question: Could this partnership serve as a model for cooperation between European and African countries in addressing common challenges? How can Morocco leverage these relations to strengthen its role as a regional and international actor?
