In an interview granted to the television channels 2M and Medi1 TV, broadcast Wednesday evening, Mr. Macron stressed that for France, it is a question of “committing resolutely and diplomatically alongside Morocco so that in effect the present and the future of the Southern Provinces are part of Moroccan sovereignty.
“It’s really an important movement on the diplomatic level. I’m obviously saying it for Morocco, for our bilateral relationship, but also for the entire region,” insisted the French President during this interview, on the occasion of the state visit he made to the Kingdom at the invitation of His Majesty the King.
“It is for this reason that I also wanted to say it to Parliament: it is a decision that France is not taking against anyone, but it must help to better regional integration, to better stabilization of the Sahara, and therefore the Sahel,” he continued.
In this sense, he noted that “this entire region needs stability, commitment, seriousness, strength and confidence”, recalling, at the same time, the significant investments made by Morocco under the the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to promote the development and stability of this region. “I think the neighbors are aware of it,” he observed.
This position of France is also a concrete commitment, in the sense that the French Development Agency (AFD) and French companies “will not simply continue to invest, but will invest even more strongly in the Southern Provinces in important projects for the benefit of the populations”, he assured.
For Mr. Macron, it is also a “choice for the future” which is materialized by a multitude of important projects relating to various areas (desalination, ports, infrastructure development, energy development, etc.).
Furthermore, the French President wanted to focus on the “singular history” of the Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic, while reiterating the community of destiny linking the two countries.
In this regard, he welcomed the significant number of agreements and contracts, both governmental and private, concluded between the two countries on the occasion of this state visit, including the 22 agreements signed during the ceremony. chaired by HM the King and the French President, considering that these agreements are the testimony of “renewed confidence”.
Mr. Macron also highlighted the Kingdom’s strengths in the development and production of renewable energies and the potential for cooperation and investment that this sector offers for both countries.
“Morocco is one of the major producers and will be even more of a global producer of renewables,” he affirmed, while emphasizing the “proactive” policy of His Majesty the King in terms of the development of wind and solar energy.
In the opinion of the French President, partnership and cooperation in this area are able to “win us mutually, that is to say make Morocco a major partner in the decarbonization of our economy and allow us to create wealth and value” on both sides of the Mediterranean.
“What I say about energy is good on both sides. And so, yes, it is a partnership of equals because it allows Morocco to succeed and France to succeed. And I also believe that it makes our two countries platforms that bring people to two continents and with very coherent strategies,” explained Mr. Macron.
Referring to the warm welcome given to him upon his arrival in the Kingdom by the Sovereign, the members of the illustrious Royal Family and the inhabitants of the capital and its region, President Macron described these moments as “very touching “.
“Being welcomed on Moroccan soil by His Majesty the King with His Family was a gesture which touched me very much, which touched us very much with my wife and the members of my delegation, and the form of evidence that there had in this moment,” Mr. Macron said with emotion.
“These moments were very touching for me because they were heart to heart and face to face,” he emphasized.
“We built a lot of things to get here. And in saying that, I say to myself, there is a form of spontaneity, of momentum that speaks volumes about our relationship. But then, there is everything that “we will continue to do things to maintain it,” concluded the French President.
How might Morocco’s role in renewable energy impact its diplomatic relationship with France?
Interview: The Future of Franco-Moroccan Relations
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ahmed El Mansouri, an expert in international relations and North African politics. We’re here to discuss the recent interview with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Morocco and new developments in their diplomatic relationship. Dr. El Mansouri, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Ahmed El Mansouri (AEM): Thank you for having me. I’m excited to talk about this significant development.
TNE: President Macron has made some strong statements about France’s commitment to Moroccan sovereignty over the Southern Provinces. What do you think are the implications of this statement from a diplomatic standpoint?
AEM: Macron’s emphasis on supporting Moroccan sovereignty is quite pivotal. It signals a profound shift in France’s diplomatic approach, reinforcing Morocco’s territorial integrity in the context of the Western Sahara conflict. Such a stance can bolster Morocco’s international positioning and potentially stabilize the region, as Macron hinted. This commitment integrates not just national interests but fosters broader regional partnerships.
TNE: Macron also mentioned the importance of stability and development in the Sahara and the Sahel regions. How does Morocco fit into this picture?
AEM: Morocco plays a critical role in regional stability, particularly given its strategic geographic position and proactive development policies under King Mohammed VI. By investing in various sectors—from renewable energy to infrastructure—Morocco is not only positioning itself as a regional leader but also as a stabilizing force in the Saharan and Sahel regions. Italy and France have recognized this and are aligning their strategies accordingly.
TNE: Another significant point raised was the economic cooperation between France and Morocco, especially in sectors like renewable energy. Why is this cooperation particularly important now?
AEM: The cooperation in renewables is crucial for both parties. As Europe seeks to enhance energy security and transition to sustainable energy sources, Morocco boasts vast potential in solar and wind energy, positioning it as a key partner. The investments mentioned by Macron substantiate this partnership, creating opportunities for both job creation in Morocco and energy diversification for France. This is a win-win scenario.
TNE: Macron highlighted the “community of destiny” between France and Morocco. What historical contexts support this idea?
AEM: The historical ties between France and Morocco run deep, rooted in colonial history and subsequent cooperation in multiple arenas, from culture to economy. This relationship has evolved significantly, and the partnerships formed today, especially in areas like development and education, reflect mutual respect and shared interests. It’s about building a future together, learning from the past.
TNE: Lastly, what do you anticipate as the next steps for France-Morocco relations moving forward?
AEM: I expect we’ll see increased bilateral agreements, particularly in infrastructure and energy projects. The cooperation initiatives will likely extend to education and culture, bolstering people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, given the geopolitical dynamics in the region, both countries will need to work collectively on security issues and potentially address challenges from neighboring regions.
TNE: Dr. El Mansouri, your insights have been invaluable. Thank you once again for joining us today to discuss this important topic.
AEM: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.