Béni Mellal: The partnership between Morocco and the European Union (EU) is founded on shared values and a common ambition for fostering shared prosperity to drive sustainable and inclusive development, emphasized EU Ambassador to Morocco Patricia Llombart Cussac during a meeting in Béni Mellal.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the EU and Morocco are collaborating to enhance employment opportunities and support small and medium-sized enterprises, acting as a catalyst for job creation in the region. Llombart Cussac made these remarks at the opening of a meeting that marked the visit of ambassadors from the European Union and its member states accredited to Morocco to the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region, aimed at exploring investment opportunities.

The Ambassador highlighted that the visit by the European diplomatic delegation signifies the Morocco-EU partnership’s contribution to local development. This visit, which aims to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors, provides an opportunity to info
rm the diplomats about the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region’s diverse opportunities.

“Our goal is to further develop this partnership with the regions, addressing common challenges, particularly in youth employment and training in forward-looking professions,” Llombart Cussac told MAP. She also expressed a desire to enhance cooperation in tourism, viewing it as a key sector for promoting economic growth and prosperity for young people and women.

Adil Barakat, President of the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Regional Council, discussed several cooperation projects developed with the EU, such as the territorial development support project, which aids the region in implementing decentralization reforms and strengthening local authorities’ skills. This project is seen as a catalyst for more effective and inclusive regional governance.

Barakat also mentioned the EU-financed PIAFE project, which aims to improve training and employment access for young people, alongside innovative circular migration and energy efficiency program
s conducted jointly with the EU.

He proudly announced the inclusion of the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Regional Council in the Open Government Global Network (OGP), marking the region’s commitment to transparency, citizen participation, and accountability.

During their visit to the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region, the delegation members will explore the Béni Mellal Agropole, a public-private partnership initiative, the Heritage Interpretation Centre at the Aïn Asserdoune tourist site, and the SANAD Cooperative to discover local produce. The EU ambassadors will also engage with representatives from the region’s civil society and youth.