Organized at the initiative of the Consulate General of Morocco in Paris, in partnership with the Town Hall of the 6th arrondissement of the French capital, this conference under the theme “Morocco-France: Exceptional reinforced partnership” constituted an opportunity to highlight the challenges of this relationship turned towards the future and brought to the highest summit of the State by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking at the opening of this meeting, the ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris, Samira Sitail highlighted the major importance of this “exceptional renewed partnership” between the two nations, sealed during the recent state visit of President Macron to Morocco.
Highlighting the “deep ties” between the French and Moroccan people, the diplomat praised the commitment of the Moroccan community in France and its representatives capable of strengthening this exceptional partnership.
For her part, the Consul General of Morocco in Paris, Nada Bakkali Hassani, stressed that “Morocco and France have chosen to move forward together to face the challenges they face”, driven by a new dynamic in their relations. bilateral.
And to recall that the “reinforced exceptional partnership”, which will benefit both Morocco and France, is based on the principles of equality, transparency, solidarity and shared responsibility.
Ms. Bakkali Hassani further noted that this conference is being held on the occasion of two celebrations that Morocco celebrates during this month of November, the Green March and Independence Day. “Two moments, two important commemorations that the consulate wishes to celebrate each year with the entire Moroccan community,” she said.
For his part, the mayor of the 6th arrondissement of Paris, Jean-Pierre Lecoq, indicated that the relationship between Morocco, “land of culture and wisdom”, and France continues to be nourished by a long history, of exchanges rich cultures and a strategic partnership.
Naima Moutchou, deputy and vice president of the National Assembly, for her part, stressed that President Macron’s state visit to Morocco marked the opening of a ”new book”. “It is important not to stand idly by, and to continue these relations which are essential between our two countries,” she said.
Highlighting “the centuries-old relations” between the two countries, Ms. Moutchou noted that “the French and Moroccan diasporas in our respective countries are important and we must be able to respond to common challenges, in particular the fight against terrorism, the ecological transition and migratory flows.
Youssef Chiheb, professor at Sorbonne Paris-North University and director at the French Intelligence Research Center, for his part, underlined that with this “exceptional partnership”, France is now part of a real strategy strengthened cooperation with Morocco.
He added that the Kingdom, a true crossroads between Africa and Europe, is a major player and an emerging regional power in Africa, a country which adopts a 360-degree vision by diversifying its partners in particular.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Samira Sitail, Ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris
Time.news Editor: Good day, Ambassador Sitail. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent conference titled “Morocco-France: Exceptional Reinforced Partnership.” It seems to be a pivotal moment in the relationship between Morocco and France. Can you share how this event came about?
Samira Sitail: Thank you for having me. The conference was organized at the initiative of the Consulate General of Morocco in Paris, in collaboration with the Town Hall of the 6th arrondissement. It’s a reflection of our commitment to deepening the ties that bind our two nations. It provided a platform to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in our partnership, which have been elevated to new heights through the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, the roles of both leaders in fostering this relationship cannot be overstated. You spoke about the “exceptional renewed partnership” during your opening remarks. What are some of the key elements that underpin this relationship?
Samira Sitail: Key elements include mutual respect and the shared values that both nations hold dear. Our partnership is built on equality, transparency, solidarity, and shared responsibility. This foundation is crucial as we face global challenges together, whether they be economic, social, or environmental.
Time.news Editor: The contribution of the Moroccan community in France is also pivotal, isn’t it? Can you elaborate on its significance?
Samira Sitail: Certainly! The Moroccan community in France acts as a vital bridge between our two countries. Their commitment and active participation in various sectors, whether cultural or economic, serve to strengthen this exceptional partnership. They embody the deep ties between our peoples, facilitating exchanges and mutual understanding.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of ties, during the conference, the Consul General, Nada Bakkali Hassani, noted that Morocco and France are moving forward together. What specific challenges do you see that require this collaborative effort?
Samira Sitail: Challenges such as climate change, economic recovery post-pandemic, security issues, and migration require collaborative solutions. Our nations have strengths that, when combined, can lead to innovative approaches to these issues. This conference was intended not only to celebrate our achievements but also to galvanize action towards shared goals.
Time.news Editor: November is a significant month for Morocco with celebrations of the Green March and Independence Day. How do these events play into the broader narrative of Moroccan identity and its relationship with France?
Samira Sitail: These celebrations are emblematic of Moroccan sovereignty and resilience. They remind us of our history and the importance of unity in pursuit of progress. In the context of our partnership with France, these themes resonate, as we seek to build a future that respects our past while fostering innovation and collaboration.
Time.news Editor: As we look to the future, what is your vision for the Morocco-France partnership in the coming years?
Samira Sitail: I envision a robust partnership that not only addresses immediate challenges but also sets a blueprint for collaboration in areas such as technology, education, and culture. By investing in our young people and promoting entrepreneurship, we can cultivate a future that benefits both nations and reflects our deep ties.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ambassador Sitail, for sharing your insights. This partnership certainly appears to be a model for international collaboration. We look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
Samira Sitail: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this essential topic. Together, we are looking forward to a future filled with promise and shared success.