Morocco-France: Rabat and Paris Strengthen Their Defense Industry Cooperation

Thursday 16 July 2026 - 12:36

Morocco and France have taken a new step in their military cooperation with the signing of two new legal instruments aimed at developing partnerships in the defense industry. Concluded during the 15th Moroccan-French High-Level Meeting, these agreements reflect the desire of both countries to expand their strategic collaboration in a context marked by the strengthening of their exceptional partnership.

Under the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Chief and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, received in Rabat the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin. The meeting took place in the presence of the Army Corps General, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone.

This official visit was marked by the signing of a Technical Arrangement and a Memorandum dedicated to cooperation in the field of defense industry. These new frameworks for collaboration aim to support the development of joint projects and encourage closer cooperation between the two partners.

Discussions between Moroccan and French officials also focused on key regional and bilateral issues, as well as prospects for expanding military cooperation. Both parties emphasized the quality of the historical relations that unite Rabat and Paris, while recalling that this dynamic has been strengthened since the signing, in October 2024, of the Declaration on the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The two delegations reaffirmed their common desire to deepen this cooperation through the implementation of the newly signed legal instruments. This approach reflects the ambition of both countries to develop sustainable partnerships in the defense sector, based on trust, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests.

Through these new commitments, Rabat and Paris confirm their intention to strengthen a military partnership aimed at supporting the development of the defense industry and enhancing cooperation capabilities between the two states.