Speaking at the opening of the 5th edition of the Moroccan–French Parliamentary Forum, Ould Rachid stressed that this positive momentum should enable this new session to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, through the examination of major issues relating to both shared societal and strategic challenges, notably the promotion of women’s participation in public life, as well as the strengthening of security cooperation and the fight against organised crime and terrorism.
The President of the House of Councillors, during this meeting organised by the Moroccan Parliament, also emphasised the need to explore new prospects for economic cooperation, particularly in the fields of energy transition, renewable energies and green hydrogen. He nevertheless recalled that the issue of women’s empowerment remains an essential lever for strengthening democracy and social cohesion.
He added that the reform of Morocco’s Family Code constitutes a foundational step in the promotion of women’s rights, within the framework of a Royal vision that reconciles modernisation with respect for national constants. The current reform momentum forms part, according to him, of this continuity, reflecting a constant determination to adapt family legislation to social developments while respecting the Kingdom’s constitutional choices.
Furthermore, Ould Rachid underlined that economic relations between Morocco and France rank among the strongest partnerships in the Euro-Mediterranean area and in Africa. This momentum has been consolidated, he noted, by the strategic agreements concluded on the occasion of the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, particularly in the sectors of advanced industry, transport and energy.
With regard to the energy transition, he recalled that Morocco has embarked on a major structural transformation in favour of renewable energies, thus opening up new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of green hydrogen and in the creation of shared value chains combining Morocco’s natural potential with French technological and financial expertise.
He also stressed that these efforts must be accompanied by strengthened security cooperation, considered an essential pillar of stability and development. In this respect, he specified, Morocco adopts a preventive and comprehensive approach based on coordination, respect for legality and the strengthening of legislative mechanisms to combat terrorism and organised crime, while developing international judicial cooperation mechanisms.
Finally, Mohamed Ould Rachid recalled that, in the face of these challenges, Parliament plays a central role through its constitutional missions of legislation, oversight and evaluation of public policies. It thus constitutes a privileged space to support these transformations, enrich public debate and promote the exchange of experiences between the legislative institutions of both countries.
The parliamentary official concluded by stressing that this forum offers a new opportunity to strengthen consultation and dialogue between the two nations, in the continuation of a historical relationship founded on trust, mutual respect and the shared desire to broaden prospects for cooperation in the service of the interests and aspirations of the two friendly peoples.
Editorial team/le7tv