France highlights decarbonized energy as cornerstone of renewed relationship with Morocco

French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is on a two-day visit to Morocco where he underscored the importance Paris attaches to an enhanced economic partnership with  Rabat, according to Moroccan media.

Le Maire’s visit is the latest in a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, as France seeks to revitalize relations after a period of mutual tension.

The French minister identified decarbonized energy as the centerpiece of a renewed bilateral relationship, in a speech Thursday to university students. Le Maire stressed the importance of energy independence and its role in bolstering economic growth and political stability, drawing parallels between past energy crises and present challenges.

Proposing a comprehensive energy partnership, he suggested collaboration in nuclear energy and joint hydrogen production to leverage France's expertise and Morocco's renewable resources. Additionally, he pledged France's support for essential energy infrastructure, including an electrical connection between Dakhla and Casablanca.

Le Maire asserted the importance of strong alliances as a response to rising protectionism and lauded Franco-Moroccan cooperation as being from “great people to great people, from great nation to great nation.”