Morocco-France: Fourteen Strategic Agreements Mark a New Phase in Bilateral Partnership

Thursday 16 July 2026 - 15:42

Cooperation between Morocco and France has reached a new milestone. Following the 15th High-Level Meeting (HLM), held on July 16 in Rabat, the two countries signed fourteen agreements covering a wide range of strategic sectors. From diplomacy to defense, infrastructure, education, culture, scientific research, transportation, and public services, these commitments reflect a shared desire to strengthen a partnership that is expected to materialize through high-impact projects.

Expanded Cooperation in Strategic Sectors

This new series of agreements illustrates the ambition of both governments to operationalize the enhanced exceptional partnership between Rabat and Paris. The signed texts aim to deepen institutional, technical, and scientific cooperation in several areas deemed priorities for both countries.

Among the commitments is a letter of intent dedicated to cooperation in feminist foreign policy, demonstrating a willingness to strengthen diplomatic dialogue on issues of equality and international governance.

Investments in Transportation and Infrastructure

Infrastructure plays a significant role in this new bilateral roadmap. Two loan agreements have been concluded with the French Development Agency (AFD), one aimed at financing the future RER of Rabat, and the other dedicated to supporting the national water policy.

In the transportation sector, the two parties have also signed an annex to their technical arrangement in civil aviation, as well as a partnership agreement between the National School of Merchant Marine (ENSM) in France and the Higher Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM) in Morocco to enhance training for future professionals in the maritime sector.

Education, Culture, and Research at the Core of Exchanges

The two countries have also strengthened their educational cooperation through a letter of intent regarding the teaching of the Arabic language and history-geography in the French school network.

Culturally, several agreements enrich the exchanges between the two shores of the Mediterranean. They include a strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute and the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the development of artist residencies, as well as Morocco's participation in the Fund for African Authors and Producers.

Scientific research also benefits from a new impetus thanks to a draft framework agreement concluded between the Centre for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development (CIRAD) and the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan II), aimed at intensifying scientific exchanges and joint research projects.

Strengthened Technical and Industrial Partnerships

The signed agreements also cover several technical areas. Cooperation has been formalized between Barid Al Maghrib and the La Poste Group, while a framework agreement has been concluded between the CEREMA and the Public Laboratory for Testing and Studies (LPEE) to promote the exchange of expertise in engineering and infrastructure.

The defense sector is also among the prioritized areas. The two countries signed the terms of reference for the bilateral committee dedicated to the defense industry, as well as a technical arrangement related to the management of military archives.

A New Dynamic for the Morocco-France Partnership

With the signing of these fourteen agreements, Morocco and France confirm their willingness to embed their cooperation in a long-term logic. The new commitments cover key sectors for economic development, modernization of public services, innovation, culture, and security.

This new phase marks the acceleration of the implementation of the strategic partnership between Rabat and Paris, with the ambition to transform political orientations into concrete projects for the benefit of both countries.