By Edward Acquah
Rabat, Oct. 29, GNA- Morocco and France on Monday night signed bilateral agreements covering several sectors to promote economic development and forge strategic partnerships into the future.
The signing forms part of the activities marking President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day State visit to Morocco, at the invitation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
A statement issued by the Royal Palace said Mr Macron and King Mohammed VI chaired the signing ceremonies.
The first agreement to be signed was a Memorandum of Understanding on the supply of high-speed train sets and their supporting elements, followed by a Declaration of Intent on financial cooperation in the railway sector.
Another agreement was an assistance contract between Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) and the SYSTRA/EGIS Company, in addition to equipment supply contract between the ONCF and VOSSLOH COGIFER.
Morocco’s Government also signed an MoU with SAFRAN company to build a maintenance and repairing site for aircraft engines.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company planned to carry out an investment project consisting of the construction and equipping of the maintenance and repair (MRO) workshop of LEAP aircraft engines, with an investment worth nearly €130 million.
Following Morocco’s offer to develop the green hydrogen sector, the two countries signed a preliminary contract, in which Morocco would mobilise the land and exclusively reserve it for the investor under the conditions laid down by the contract, in return for the investor’s compliance with all its obligations.
They also signed an MoU for the creation of a Morocco-France investment accelerator – an equal partnership to stimulate investment throughout Morocco, including the southern provinces, and creation of a 50/50 joint venture dedicated to sustainable infrastructure, with a capital of €300 million.
Earlier, King Mohammed VI and President Macron signed the Declaration on “the reinforced exceptional partnership” between the Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic, aimed at enabling the two countries to better address shared challenges.
Under the partnership, France and Morocco would work together to deepen and modernise their partnership to promote economic development, social cohesion and their “strategic autonomy.”
President Macron and his spouse, Brigitte Macron touched down at the Rabat-Salé Airport Monday afternoon to begin his three-day visit to Morocco from October 28 to October 30, 2024, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.
Mr Macron is also expected to address the Moroccan Parliament on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 and proceed with other official activities before his departure on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
GNA