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Politics

Morocco and France Sign Multiple Strategic Agreements

Tuesday 29 October 2024 - 10:02

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In a significant display of cooperation, King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President Emmanuel Macron of France presided over a ceremony to formalize several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors.

The first agreement is a Protocol of Agreement concerning the supply of high-speed train sets and their supporting components. This contract, signed by Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Director General of the National Office of Railways (ONCF), and Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of ALSTOM, includes the acquisition of 12 train sets with an option for six additional units.

Following this, a Declaration of Intent was established to facilitate financial cooperation in the railway sector. This document was signed by Nadia Fettah, Morocco's Minister of Economy and Finance, along with Khlie and Antoine Armand, France's Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry.

A third agreement involves an Assistance Contract between ONCF and SYSTRA/EGIS. This contract pertains to project management assistance for infrastructure projects related to the high-speed rail line connecting Kénitra and Marrakech.

Additionally, a Supply Contract was signed with VOSSLOH COGIFER for the provision of track components essential for the same railway line.

Another notable agreement involves a Protocol of Agreement between the Moroccan government and SAFRAN to establish a maintenance and repair site for LEAP aircraft engines. The project represents an investment of approximately €130 million.

The agreements also include a preliminary contract focused on developing Morocco's green hydrogen sector. This initiative was signed by various ministers and executives from Total Energies, committing the state to reserve land exclusively for this investment.

A Strategic Partnership Agreement was established to enhance cooperation in energy policy, planning, and renewable energy production. This partnership aims to bolster collaboration on low-carbon hydrogen production, energy storage, and critical metals transport.

Moreover, a Protocol of Agreement was signed to create a Morocco-France investment accelerator with nearly 3 billion dirhams in capital. This initiative will focus on sustainable infrastructure investments across Morocco.

In terms of civil protection, a Declaration of Intent was signed to strengthen cooperation in civil protection practices and crisis management strategies.

Further agreements focused on combating natural wildfires were also established between the respective interior ministers of both countries.

In the maritime sector, a declaration was made between Morocco's National Ports Agency and AFD to support green transitions in ports and enhance resilience against climate change through a €100 million loan.

The agricultural sector also saw developments with an Accord Framework aimed at fostering cooperation in agriculture and forestry, addressing climate resilience while reinforcing Morocco's role as a bridge between Europe and Africa.

In education, both nations signed a declaration aimed at enhancing cooperation in various educational fields from technical training to promoting Arabic language instruction in France.

Lastly, a Cooperation Agreement in cultural industries targets the burgeoning video game sector in Morocco, aiming to leverage French expertise to establish a gaming hub in Rabat.

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and senior officials from both nations, marking a pivotal moment in Franco-Moroccan relations that promises extensive collaboration across multiple domains.