Morocco-France Parliamentary Friendship Group Holds Talks with French Delegation

Rep. Habib El Malki, Chairperson of the Morocco-France Parliamentary Friendship Group at the House of Representatives, received on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the seat of the House, a French delegation visiting the Kingdom at the initiative of the "Cercle Eugène Delacroix" Association. The French delegation was composed of the Deputy Speaker of the French Senate, Sen. Vincent Delahaye, in addition to some French electees and businessmen.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Khadija Zoumi, the members of the Morocco-France Parliamentary Friendship Group, members of the French Senate and National Assembly, in addition to members of the Bureau of the "Cercle Eugène Delacroix" Association and its President, Mr. Salah Bourdi.

At the onset of the meeting, Rep. Habib El Malki recalled the strong historical ties uniting the Kingdom of Morocco and France, noting specifically the major sacrifices and contributions of the French soldiers in the battle to liberate France during World War II. He also highlighted that the relations between the two countries are multifaceted and cover humanitarian, civilizational, economic, political, and other aspects.

Rep. El Malki also reviewed the major reforms and projects launched by the Kingdom under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in addition to the development taking place in the various regions and provinces of the Kingdom, including the Southern ones. The Moroccan Representative added that the Kingdom is leaning towards the consolidation of South-South Cooperation, especially with African countries, and contributes to the entrenchment of peace and stability in the Mediterranean region and Africa.

For his part, Sen. Vincent Delahaye underscored that the Kingdom of Morocco is "a prominent partner to France in Africa and the Maghreb." He also commended the significant development of the southern provinces of the Kingdom, especially Dakhla. In the same vein, he noted that the Kingdom of Morocco is a gate to Africa and called for uplifting the bilateral relations between the two countries in a way that strengthens cooperation and serves the major interests of both countries.

In their interventions during the meeting, the members of the French delegation highlighted the solid bases of the Morocco-France ties, noting that the Kingdom is France's primary economic partner in Africa and that the French community in the Kingdom amounts to 100,000 people. The French speakers also lauded the leadership of the Kingdom in the area of renewable energies and in combatting the impacts of climate change, as well as it role in solidifying peace and stability, and fighting terrorism.