- Franco-Moroccan Partnership Focuses on Diplomacy, Infrastructure, Investment and Academic Cooperation
LYON: Morocco’s growing role as a strategic gateway between Europe and Africa was at the centre of a high-level conference held in Lyon on Tuesday, where diplomats, policymakers, academics and civil society representatives explored new opportunities to strengthen the Franco-Moroccan partnership.
The conference examined how France and Morocco could deepen their cooperation by capitalising on the Kingdom’s strategic geographical position, expanding economic influence across Africa and growing international connectivity.
Organised by the Moroccan Center for Research on Globalization (NejMaroc) in partnership with the Consulate General of Morocco in Lyon, the event was held under the theme “France-Morocco: A Strategic Partnership between Diplomacy and Expertise.” It coincided with celebrations marking the Green March and Unity Day.
Participants discussed economic, institutional, diplomatic and scientific opportunities to further consolidate bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Morocco’s Vision for African Integration and Continental Connectivity
Addressing the gathering, Rajae Benchaji, Consul General of Morocco in Lyon, highlighted the comprehensive transformation underway in Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, describing it as part of a long-term strategic vision aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s economic competitiveness and regional influence.
She particularly highlighted the Royal Initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean and the proposed Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline, describing these initiatives as important pillars of Morocco’s commitment to African integration, regional connectivity and shared development.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in her remarks. Projects such as Tanger Med Port, Morocco’s high-speed railway network, the Tiznit-Laâyoune-Dakhla expressway, Nador West Med and the Dakhla Atlantic Port were highlighted as major strategic investments supporting trade, logistics, economic integration and Morocco’s position as a regional hub connecting Europe and Africa.
Expanding the Scope of Franco-Moroccan Cooperation
On bilateral relations, Consul General Benchaji underscored the importance of expanding cooperation between France and Morocco across a wide range of sectors, including transport, education, culture, defence, civil aviation and water management.
She emphasised that the existing partnership provides a strong foundation for developing new areas of collaboration and promoting mutually beneficial economic and institutional exchanges.
NejMaroc Highlights Morocco’s Investment Potential
Yassine El Yattioui, Secretary General of NejMaroc, highlighted Morocco’s growing international attractiveness, economic modernisation and openness to foreign investment.
He called for further strengthening Franco-Moroccan exchanges, particularly in scientific research, higher education and academic partnerships, stressing the importance of building stronger institutional links and encouraging knowledge-sharing between the two countries.
Universities and Young Generations as Bridges of Cooperation
The conference also examined the role of universities, academic institutions and younger generations in building sustainable relations between France and Morocco.
Participants stressed that educational exchanges, scientific collaboration and institutional partnerships could provide new momentum to bilateral relations while creating opportunities for future generations.
The Lyon gathering marks the beginning of a broader series of conferences designed to bring together public institutions, researchers, local elected representatives and civil society stakeholders.
Representatives from Oyonnax, Vaulx-en-Velin and Vénissieux are also expected to participate in this initiative, reflecting an effort to strengthen cooperation at the regional and local levels.
The discussions reaffirmed Morocco’s growing strategic importance as a bridge between Europe and Africa and highlighted the potential of the Franco-Moroccan partnership to advance trade, investment, innovation and sustainable development across both regions.
BY: The Times Union
