“Morocco has become France’s main economic and strategic ally in the Maghreb. This is a welcome development that benefits both countries and enjoys broad support within the French political class,” said Besnard, who was invited by MAP to analyze the current momentum in Moroccan-French relations in light of the recent wave of diplomatic activity between the two nations.

Besnard noted that the strengthening of ties between Morocco and France, “which is also widely supported by French public opinion,” reflects the shared will of both countries to form a partnership in the service of global peace and stability.

French diplomacy, he added, has commended Morocco’s engagement in multilateral forums on issues related to peace, stability and development.

In this context, Besnard welcomed the “success” of the recent visit to Rabat by French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, as well as the visit to Paris by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita. These visits, he said, are milestones on the path toward realizing a new chapter in French-Moroccan relations.