Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Royal Palace of Guests in Rabat.
In attendance were Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid and Princesses Lalla Khadija and Lalla Meryem.
The occasion marked the signing of 22 strategic agreements between Morocco and France, reinforcing cooperation across various sectors.
Key Agreements Signed:
1. High-Speed Rail Expansion: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for high-speed train set supply, involving Morocco’s ONCF and ALSTOM. The agreement confirms 12 high-speed train sets with an option for six more.
2. Railway Financial Cooperation: Ministers from both countries signed a declaration on financial collaboration in the rail sector.
3. Railway Project Management: ONCF secured a project management assistance contract with SYSTRA/EGIS for the high-speed rail project linking Kenitra and Marrakech.
4. Railway Equipment Supply: ONCF agreed with VOSSLOH COGIFER on the supply of rail switches and crossings for the Kenitra-Marrakech line.
5. Aircraft Engine Maintenance Facility: Morocco and SAFRAN signed an MoU for a €130 million investment in a facility for maintaining and repairing LEAP aircraft engines.
6. Green Hydrogen Development: An MoU with Total Energy outlines land allocation for green hydrogen initiatives, supporting Morocco’s green energy goals.
7. Strategic Energy Partnership: The countries signed a partnership to enhance cooperation in energy policy, renewables, hydrogen, and energy storage.
8. Investment Accelerator: A €300 million investment accelerator, jointly funded by the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment and the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to stimulate investment in Morocco.
9. Civil Protection Cooperation: A declaration of intent to bolster civil protection was signed, focusing on crisis management and the use of air resources in wildfire fighting.
10. Climate-Resilient Ports Program: A €100 million AFD loan will support Morocco’s port transition to climate resilience, including areas like Dakhla and Laayoune.
11. Water Resource Management: An MoU will support Morocco’s National Water Strategy, with €100 million from AFD.
12. Agriculture and Forestry Framework: France and Morocco agreed on agricultural and forestry cooperation to address climate resilience.
13. Education Cooperation (2024-2026): Both countries are committed to strengthening educational collaboration and promoting Arabic language teaching in France.
14. Higher Education and Research Partnership: A declaration promotes university partnerships and scientific cooperation, focusing on governance and institutional development.
15. French-Moroccan Research Center (CRFM): A new centre will focus on training, research, and innovation in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.
16. Cultural Cooperation: Both nations committed to joint initiatives in cultural and creative industries, literature, and heritage.
17. Video Game Industry Development: A plan to establish a Gaming City in Rabat aims to support Morocco’s video game sector.
18. Decarbonization Partnership: OCP Group and AFD agreed on a €350 million initiative to support OCP’s decarbonisation and agricultural value chains.
19. Energy Transition Partnership with ENGIE: OCP and ENGIE signed an agreement to collaborate on green hydrogen, electricity, desalination, and other projects.
20. Taza Wind Farm Expansion: An MoU was signed for the second phase of the Taza wind farm, targeting 63 MW in installed capacity.
21. Nador West Med Container Terminal: CMA CGM and TANGER MED signed an agreement for a new container terminal at Nador West Med, with a €258 million investment.
Attendees
The ceremony was attended by Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, King Mohammed VI’s Advisor Fouad Ali El Himma, government members, President Macron’s delegation, and other high-ranking officials.