Speaking at a conference organized by the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences-Rabat Agdal, on the theme “France-Morocco relations: issues and perspectives”, the French diplomat expressed the firm will of his country, brought to highest summit of the State, to move forward in its historic partnership with the Kingdom.
Recalling the geopolitical context in which these relations are evolving today, Mr. Lecourtier stressed that the two countries share “a common destiny” and are called upon to meet together the multiple challenges of economic integration, competitiveness and prosperity. shared.
“We are at an important moment in our relationship. We live today in a world that has changed a lot and which requires us to redefine our relationship by taking the field and looking around us to meet together the multiple challenges that lie ahead. us,” observed the French ambassador.
Mr. Lecourtier insisted, to this end, on the need to “reconstruct” the France-Morocco relationship around the human asset, the strength of human relations, because “we have many things in common”.
He said he was convinced that within the framework of “the new globalization we have no other choice but to continue to build a community of destiny. I am truly convinced that for Europe and for France in particular, there is no other option than to be able to build around Morocco, with the vision carried by His Majesty the King, this Euro-African whole as integrated as possible.”
To succeed in this challenge, he explained, “we must convince at the European level that it is necessary for us to find our south”, noting that the European Union is today “obsessed” with its eastern neighborhood. , while there are countries like France, whose destiny is played out in the south and which are strategically linked to their southern partners, led by Morocco.
Economic prosperity constitutes this other aspect on which the future of Franco-Moroccan relations should be built, noted the French diplomat, recalling that “France’s competitiveness today relies largely on its investments established in Morocco, neither in a logic of subcontracting but of co-contracting”.
“What Morocco offers in terms of infrastructure, stability, quality of the men and women who live there, the potential of its energy resources and geographical proximity is a winning equation. And there is no doubt about it. “others today”, welcomed the French ambassador.
This is a relationship dynamic that carries great designs that will need to be strengthened in the future “for the shared happiness and prosperity of our peoples,” he added.
At the start of this conference, the interim president of Mohammed V University and dean of the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences of Rabat-Agdal, Farid El Bacha, stressed that Morocco and France are bearers of universal values common values that men of knowledge are called to promote, noting that the promotion of these values ”cannot be done without openness, without meeting with others”.
He affirmed that beyond its academic and intellectual value, this conference is part of this quest for openness and knowledge of others.
This inaugural conference “Diplomatic Thursdays”, which the Faculty intends to continue as part of its academic activities, was attended by numerous students, researchers and academics.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and French Diplomat Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We are delighted to have with us an expert on international relations, who has closely followed the evolving dynamic between France and Morocco. Recently, the French ambassador, Mr. Lecourtier, spoke about the importance of this historic partnership at a conference in Rabat. What were your key takeaways from his statements?
Expert (E): Good morning, and thank you for having me. Mr. Lecourtier’s remarks highlight the significance of the France-Morocco relationship amidst today’s complex geopolitical landscape. He emphasized that both countries share a “common destiny,” which underscores the intertwined futures of France and Morocco, particularly in the realm of economic integration and regional prosperity.
TNE: He mentioned that the world has changed drastically and that it’s time to redefine their relationship. In what ways do you believe this redefinition is necessary?
E: Absolutely. With shifting power dynamics globally, it’s crucial for France and Morocco to reassess their alliance. Mr. Lecourtier pointed out the need to “reconstruct” this partnership around human connections. This is particularly relevant as both nations face challenges like economic competitiveness and integration into a globalized economy, which calls for a more community-focused approach to international relations.
TNE: You mentioned economic challenges. How do you see the potential for economic integration between France and Morocco evolving in practical terms?
E: There’s a significant opportunity for cooperation, especially in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. Mr. Lecourtier hinted that building a “Euro-African whole” around Morocco is essential for France’s strategic interests in the south, which contrasts with the EU’s current focus on the eastern neighborhood. This could lead to more investments from France into Morocco and vice versa, creating a more balanced partnership.
TNE: The ambassador pointed to the strength of human relations as a foundation for this renewed partnership. How critical is this human element in international diplomacy?
E: It’s incredibly crucial. Building relationships on a people-to-people level fosters trust and understanding, which are essential for any successful diplomatic effort. Mr. Lecourtier’s emphasis on human assets suggests that cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and grassroots initiatives could play a pivotal role in solidifying ties between the two nations.
TNE: What do you feel is the biggest challenge that lies ahead for France and Morocco in nurturing this relationship?
E: One of the primary challenges is shifting perceptions within the European Union. As Mr. Lecourtier noted, the EU is currently “obsessed” with its eastern partnerships. Convincing stakeholders that France’s future also lies in strengthening its southern relations, particularly with Morocco, will require robust advocacy and strategic communication to highlight mutual benefits.
TNE: It seems there’s a lot of potential for these two nations to create a robust alliance. In closing, what do you believe is the most important next step for both countries?
E: The most important step is to lay down a clear and inclusive framework for cooperation that aligns with the new global realities. This could involve establishing structured dialogues that incorporate various sectors, including civil society, economic partners, and government entities from both nations. Open channels for discussion and collaboration will be key in advancing this partnership while addressing the challenges Mr. Lecourtier has brought to light.
TNE: Thank you very much for your insights today. It’s clear that the future of France-Morocco relations holds a lot of promise if approached with intentionality and cooperation.
E: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic!