Lyon conference highlights Morocco’s role in Euro-African Cooperation Dynamics

A conference held Tuesday in Lyon highlighted Morocco’s growing role in Euro-African cooperation and the prospects for a strategic partnership between Rabat and Paris.

Participants at the meeting, organised by the Moroccan Centre for Research on Globalisation (NejMaroc), in partnership with the Consulate General of Morocco in Lyon as part of Green March and Unity Day celebrations, emphasised the Kingdom’s growing investment attractiveness, major infrastructure and development projects, and capacity to forge strategic partnerships.

Speaking on the occasion, Morocco’s Consul General in Lyon, Rajae Benchaji, highlighted the profound transformation underway in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, citing major initiatives and infrastructure projects, including the Royal Initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, the African-Atlantic gas pipeline project, Tanger Med port, high-speed rail lines, and the Nador West Med and Dakhla Atlantique ports.

On Morocco-France relations, she said bilateral ties had entered a new phase, with reinforced partnerships in strategic sectors, including transport, education, culture, defence, civil aviation, and water management.

For his part, NejMaroc Secretary General Yassine El Yattioui underscored Morocco’s strategic position as an emerging African power and a key partner for France, highlighting the importance of further expanding bilateral cooperation in the economic, diplomatic, scientific and educational fields.

The conference, held under the theme "France-Morocco: A Strategic Partnership Between Diplomacy and Expertise," also addressed prospects for France-Morocco university cooperation and the role of younger generations in bringing the two countries closer.

The event marks the launch of a series of conferences that bring together institutional representatives, academics, and local elected officials.