فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Aurélie Bergé, French Minister Delegate for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, emphasized the deep-rooted, strategic, and valuable relationship between France and Morocco, noting that bilateral cooperation continues to grow in response to shared global challenges.
Speaking during a meeting with the French expatriate community in Casablanca on Tuesday, Bergé recalled that President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI in October, marked a turning point in the trajectory of French-Moroccan relations.
Robust Human and Economic Partnership
The minister highlighted the vibrancy of cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations:
- Over 43,000 students are enrolled in French institutions in Morocco (70% of whom are Moroccan).
- More than 45,000 Moroccan students are pursuing higher education in France, making them the largest foreign student community in the country.
Economically, over 1,000 French companies operate in Morocco, employing more than 150,000 Moroccans, with trade exchanges reaching approximately €15 billion.
Bergé also mentioned that October’s state visit led to the signing of 40 bilateral agreements worth €11 billion, including €6.3 billion in French investments spanning energy, infrastructure, civil security, and cultural sectors.
Morocco: A Leader in Women’s Empowerment and Talent Development
The minister lauded Morocco’s high rate of female engineering graduates, surpassing that of France, stating that this shift boosts economic performance and labor market flexibility.
She also praised Morocco’s accession in May 2025 to the Global Coalition for Feminist Foreign Policy, co-led by France and Colombia, affirming that Morocco is now at the heart of global feminist diplomacy.
Joint Vision for Africa and Sustainable Development
Bergé underscored that Morocco is the top global partner of the French Development Agency (AFD), with annual commitments exceeding €400 million—a testament to the shared vision for building a sustainable and socially just future, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where Morocco plays a key regional role.
French Ambassador: “A Partnership Rooted in Royal and Presidential Will
French Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier reaffirmed that bilateral ties are deepened by the joint commitment of King Mohammed VI and President Macron, with collaboration extending to manufacturing, education, renewable energy, and shared values.
Bergé’s visit is part of a broader dialogue on equality and anti-discrimination, including official and community meetings in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.
