Morocco’s role in trade between Europe and Africa dominated a conference held Tuesday in Lyon. Diplomacy, infrastructure, and academic cooperation fueled discussions on the prospects for the Franco-Moroccan partnership.
How can cooperation between Rabat and Paris be expanded by leveraging the Kingdom’s position in Africa? This question was addressed at a meeting organized by the Moroccan Center for Research on Globalization (NejMaroc), in partnership with the Consulate General of Morocco in Lyon.
Gathered around the theme “France-Morocco: a Strategic Partnership between Diplomacy and Expertise“, the participants examined the economic, institutional, and scientific levers that could bring the two countries closer together. The conference, organized to coincide with the celebrations of the Green March and Unity Day, brought together elected officials, representatives of government authorities, academics, and members of civil society organizations.
For Rajae Benchaji, Consul General of Morocco in Lyon, the transformations undertaken under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI reflect a long-term development strategy. She specifically mentioned the Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries and the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, two examples of the Kingdom’s ambition for continental cooperation. Infrastructure also featured prominently in his speech. Tanger Med, high-speed rail lines and the Tiznit-Laâyoune-Dakhla expressway, along with the Nador West Med and Dakhla Atlantic projects, were presented as supports for the country’s economic integration.
On the bilateral front, the diplomat highlighted the strengthening of partnerships in transport, education, culture, defense, civil aviation and water management.
Yassine El Yattioui, Secretary General of NejMaroc, emphasized the Kingdom’s attractiveness, its economic modernization, and its openness to international investment. He advocated for expanding Franco-Moroccan exchanges, particularly in the scientific and educational fields.
The discussions finally turned to university cooperation and the contribution of younger generations to strengthening ties between the two countries. This meeting inaugurates a series of conferences bringing together institutions, researchers, and local elected officials, including representatives from Oyonnax, Vaulx-en-Velin, and Vénissieux.
