French Senate Speaker Calls for Africa-Focused Partnership with Morocco

French Senate speaker Gérard Larcher called for the development of a partnership with Morocco geared towards Africa, on Monday in Rabat.

Speaking at a joint press conference following his talks with Morocco’s Upper House Speaker Mohamed Ould Errachid, Larcher expressed his desire to strengthen a partnership with Morocco focused on Africa, particularly in a globally “uncertain” context. He further stated that the goal of his visit to the Kingdom is to write a “new parliamentary chapter” in the new book of relations between the two countries, “which His Majesty King Mohammed VI has invited us to shape together.” In this regard, he recalled that the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, had declared during his recent state visit to Morocco that “the present and future of the Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” Along the same lines, he noted that the partnership between the two countries includes 47 projects related to energy, infrastructure, transport, and the fight against water stress, with a particular focus on human capital. Larcher also welcomed Ould Errachid’s participation next July in Paris at the 50th session of the French-speaking Parliaments, emphasizing that Morocco is a key link in interparliamentary cooperation. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, involving the President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group, Christian Cambon, and the President of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Committee, Cédric Perrin, the President of the French Senate will continue his visit to Morocco until February 26.