Inauguration of the New Premises of the Consulate General of France in Tangier

Friday 29 November 2024 - 08:08

The Consulate General of France in Tangier celebrated the inauguration of its new premises, marking a significant milestone in a project aimed at consolidating the services of the French Institute and the Consulate at the iconic Place de France.

This ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier; the Wali of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Younes Tazi; the President of the Regional Council, Omar Moro; elected officials; representatives from various consulates in Tangier; and other distinguished guests.

The new consulate now occupies a historic building that served as the residence of Consuls General until 2021. The rehabilitation of this 150-year-old structure preserved its unique architectural heritage while reinforcing its structure and restoring its exceptional furnishings.

Speaking at the event, Christophe Lecourtier highlighted the strategic importance of reorganizing French services in Tangier, emphasizing the city's economic growth and the region’s development since the 2000s. He mentioned ongoing projects to expand the educational capacity of French institutions in the area, catering to the region’s evolving needs.

Lecourtier also noted that around 4,000 French nationals reside in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, with nearly half also holding Moroccan nationality. With an annual growth rate of approximately 5%, the French community in Tangier is expanding at an exceptional pace compared to other regions in the country.

These dynamics necessitated adapting the "Maison des Français" to better serve the community and open this historic site to new opportunities. The integration of the French Institute into the consular premises aligns with this vision, aiming to create a space that welcomes Tangier residents and tourists alike.

A statement from the French Embassy reaffirmed the need to enhance services for French nationals in the region, underscoring the project's alignment with these goals. The initiative reflects the deep cultural, artistic, and educational cooperation between Morocco and France.

By the summer of 2025, the consolidation project will enable the French Institute to house most of its services, including a media library and a Campus France branch. This development underscores the enduring partnership and shared history between the two nations in Tangier, setting the stage for future collaborations.