Rabat: Speaker of Morocco’s House of Councillors Mohamed Ould Errachid held discussions in Rabat with Speaker of the French Senate G©rard Larcher. The talks aimed at enhancing bilateral parliamentary cooperation and strengthening the economic and strategic partnership between Morocco and France, guided by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, these discussions are part of Larcher’s visit to Morocco, which took place from February 23 to 26. Larcher led a high-level parliamentary delegation at the invitation of Ould Errachid. The visit’s timing and agenda, including a stop in the city of LaSyoune, underscore the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, reflecting their steadfast commitment to advancing the significant gains in bilateral relations.
Ould Errachid emphasized the momentum in relations following French President Emmanuel Macron’s historic state visit to Morocco last October. This visit resulted in the signing of the Joint Declaration, which outlines a forward-looking vision for bilateral relations and a committed effort to bolster cooperation in all vital areas.
The Upper House Speaker highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a crucial instrument for enhancing bilateral cooperation through ongoing consultation, coordination, and deepening of parliamentary dialogue. He praised the cooperation’s success, which has led to numerous joint initiatives that sustain the momentum of bilateral relations.
Ould Errachid also expressed his desire to hold the 5th Morocco-France Parliamentary Forum in Morocco later this year. He welcomed initiatives to promote institutional parliamentary relations and elevate them to an exceptional partnership level.
Additionally, he highlighted Morocco’s institutional and development reforms under King Mohammed VI’s leadership. These include major development projects focused on political and economic empowerment of women, the New Development Model, and reforms in education, health, and social welfare, among other sectors.
Regarding Morocco’s territorial integrity, Ould Errachid appreciated France’s stance on supporting Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. He noted this position aligns with international support for Morocco’s vision under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, promoting regional development and local governance.
Larcher expressed satisfaction with his visit as an opportunity to strengthen Rabat-Paris relations. He emphasized that the French President’s historic visit to Morocco opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, and parliamentary cooperation is crucial to further strengthening these relations.
The French Senate Speaker affirmed France’s readiness to deepen cooperation in key areas, particularly in economic development, infrastructure enhancement, and the exchange of expertise in regionalization and decentralization. He also commended Morocco’s reforms, especially those concerning women.
The talks included notable attendees such as First Deputy Speaker of the House of Councillors Abdelkader Salama, President of the Morocco-France Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Upper House Mohamed Zidouh, Secretary General of the Upper House El Assad Zerouali, Chief of Staff to the Upper House Speaker Mansour Lambarki, and Director of External Relations and Communication Saad Ghazi.