During a joint press conference, Mr. Nasser Bourita pointed out that the Morocco-France relations, which are unique, unparalleled, and deeply rooted in history, are called upon to be renewed to adapt to various developments at the bilateral, regional, and international levels.

Based on mutual interests in various fields, Rabat and Paris maintain state-to-state relations, which are expected to be renewed within the framework of mutual respect and close coordination, Mr. Nasser Bourita stated. He also noted that France is a privileged partner of Morocco in political, economic, and human aspects.

Bilateral relations are currently in a "renewal and development phase in terms of content, approaches, and actors to align with the changes on the international scene and the developments in both countries," he added.

He also pointed out that Mr. Séjourné's visit to Morocco is part of the firm determination of HM King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron to boost the bilateral strategic partnership on strong foundations, capitalizing on the solid historical and human bases underlying these relations, while benefiting from the achievements recorded in this partnership over decades.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted that thanks to the reforms initiated under the guidance of HM King Mohammed VI, both politically and economically, Morocco now positions itself as a reliable and credible actor among its partners.

"Under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco has become a pole of stability, a political force, and a crucial player in its environment," he asserted.

Mr. Nasser Bourita also mentioned that discussions with Mr. Séjourné provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations in anticipation of upcoming milestones between the two countries.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of preparing for these milestones by supporting the exchange of sectoral ministerial visits and exploring new horizons for the conclusion of agreements and initiatives to strengthen these ties and initiate a true turning point in bilateral relations, he further noted

The talks also covered regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East, the catastrophic humanitarian repercussions of the Israeli aggression against Gaza, and the means, as highlighted by HM King Mohammed VI, to establish a ceasefire, ensure the delivery of aid, facilitate the creation of conditions for a political process, reject the forced displacement of Palestinians, and preserve the Arab-Islamic identity of Al-Quds, the minister continued.

Morocco warns against actions and decisions that could exacerbate tensions during the month of Ramadan around the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the city of Al-Quds, he insisted.

Mr. Nasser Bourita also indicated that he discussed with his French counterpart ways to strengthen joint action in Africa and the Sahel region.

On his side, Mr. Stéphane Séjourné said to be impressed by the development momentum that Morocco is experiencing under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.

"Morocco has undergone profound changes. I am impressed by the reforms and projects led by His Majesty the King, placing human development at the heart of the development model embraced by the Kingdom," he declared.

Addressing bilateral relations, the French Foreign Minister asserted that Paris and Rabat are determined to renew and deepen their "exceptional" ties, agreeing on a "clear" and "ambitious" roadmap commensurate with the new challenges.

"To renew this bond, our roadmap is clear and ambitious. Our project must measure up to the new challenges of the century. Together or separately, with respect and transparency, or with a form of collective loyalty, we will be more capable," he stated.

For Minister Séjourné, making his first visit to Morocco since his appointment, the two countries, sharing convergent interests, aim to build a dense and fruitful partnership for the next thirty years. He emphasized the areas in which both countries must work hand in hand to realize these goals.

"We must look at our challenges with great clarity. We must meet the expectations of our youth, transform our economy to decisively face the future in a rapidly changing and increasingly violent world."

According to him, "the challenges are immense in technological, environmental, and security domains. We will approach these realities with ambition, and our source will be this ancient, exceptional, and unique bond that has allowed us to overcome so many challenges."

The French Foreign Minister also advocated for an avant-garde partnership in renewable energies, training, and innovative industries.

In the same spirit, "together, we can undertake initiatives to address global challenges that require collective responses, including climate transition, wealth distribution, education, food security, counterterrorism, and the promotion of human rights," he added.

Moreover, Minister Séjourné stressed the need for France and Morocco to contribute to peace and security amid the multiple crises shaking the world, notably the war in Ukraine and Gaza. He also praised Morocco's "remarkable" role in favor of development and security in Africa.

On the sahara issue, Mr. Séjourné reiterated, his country's clear and constant support for the Moroccan autonomy plan in the Southern provinces, emphasizing that it is time for France to move forward on this issue.

France was the first country to support the autonomy plan in 2007, Mr. Séjourné indicated, he also noted hat in the logical continuity of this commitment, it is time to move forward. Beyond political positions, he stated that France advances through concrete actions.

"France also wants to move forward by taking into account the interests and needs present, particularly in the educational and cultural domains," he noted, pointing out that there are two French schools in Dakhla and Laayoune. He specified that the Institut Français recently deployed, in close collaboration with local partners, a mobile cultural center in Laayoune, Boujdour, and Dakhla, which has been very successful.

Mr. Séjourné emphasized that France also aims to advance by promoting economic and social development in the Southern provinces of the Kingdom.

"France will support the development of this region, backing Morocco's efforts in various fields," he concluded, while recalling that Morocco has invested significantly in development projects benefiting local populations, particularly in training, renewable energy, tourism, and blue economy for aquatic resources.