French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch on the sidelines of the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the Provence landings on Thursday, August 15. During this meeting, both parties expressed their satisfaction with the «friendship and the depth of the strategic partnership that unites France and Morocco», according to a press release from L'Elysée. Aziz Akhannouch welcomed France's decision to frame the present and future of the Sahara «within the context of Moroccan sovereignty», as outlined in the President's message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Feast of the Throne. In this context, Emmanuel Macron reiterated «France's commitment to advancing discussions with the Moroccan authorities on this issue of national security for Morocco». The two leaders also committed to «developing an ambitious bilateral roadmap that will elevate Franch-Moroccan relations to a new level of ambition in the economic, agricultural, energy, cultural, and educational fields». This «new strategic partnership» will particularly focus on «young people in Morocco and across the African continent», aiming to address major common challenges, whether industrial, technological, or related to climate change. During the meeting, the French President also thanked the Moroccan Prime Minister for his presence at the ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Provence landings. Emmanuel Macron emphasized «the importance for France of paying tribute to the many Moroccan soldiers who fought alongside French and Allied forces in Provence, making a significant contribution to the Liberation of the country».
