Interior Minister Holds Talks with French Counterpart in Rabat

Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, received, on Monday in Rabat, French Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories, Gérald Darmanin, in the presence of senior officials from both countries. During their tête-à-tête meeting, followed by an extended working session, the two ministers reviewed issues of common interest and examined ways of further strengthening cooperation to bring it into line with the expectations and aspirations of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and His Excellency, President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, for an exceptional strategic partnership based on friendship and respect for mutual interests, said a statement by the Ministry of the Interior. In this respect, the two ministers welcomed the solid foundation provided by the security and migration components of this deep, multi-dimensional bilateral relationship, which is strengthened by open dialogue at all levels, added the same source, pointing out that these components carry a vitality which helps maintain a dynamic capable of constructively transcending the various conjunctures. They expressed their shared vision of the regional and international scene, before underlining the convergence of their points of view on security issues and common challenges, and agreeing to strengthen channels for exchanging expertise and information in order to better anticipate the multiple threats, particularly those linked to the criminal activities of terrorist groups and criminal networks, notably in the Sahel-Saharan region, according to the statement. In this context, Laftit recalled Morocco’s appropriate and comprehensive security approach to meet the challenges of security, particularly the terrorist threat. A global strategy that combines operational combat and intelligence sharing with preventive action, in particular against radicalization, and aspects of reintegration. He also recalled the holistic and humanistic approach to migration governance adopted by the Kingdom, in line with the High Royal Orientations. In this respect, he emphasized the constant efforts made by the Kingdom and the positive role it plays within the framework of the Permanent Joint Migration Group, which is the mechanism for dialogue and coordination on this issue. For his part, the French Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories welcomed the Moroccan approach to security and migration challenges, adding that the latter constitutes a factor of regional peace and stability which establishes the Kingdom as a bulwark against different threats and as a reliable and credible partner on the international scene, particularly with the countries of the southern Mediterranean. He also thanked the Moroccan security services for their operational and logistical support as part of the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the statement concluded.