Morocco, France sign 21 cooperation agreements at economic forum in Rabat

At the Morocco-France Economic Forum held in Rabat, 21 agreements were signed between the two countries to promote collaboration across key sectors.

The agreements, presented at the forum, aim to strengthen bilateral ties in economic development, sustainable growth, renewable energy, education, scientific research, agriculture, and technology, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

One of the agreements also outlines plans for the development of the Western Sahara provinces.

The documents were signed by Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, and the Director-General of Veolia from the French side. The agreements mark an important step in Morocco and France’s ongoing partnership.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is concluding his official visit to Morocco, which began on October 28.

Western Sahara Dispute

The dispute over Western Sahara remains unresolved since 1975, when Morocco integrated the region following the end of Spanish colonial rule. Algeria backs the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region, while Morocco maintains that the area falls under its jurisdiction.

The Polisario Front engaged in armed conflict with Moroccan forces until a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991. Despite this truce, negotiations over the region’s status have yet to yield significant progress.

By Aghakazim Guliyev