Speaking at the opening of the International Agriculture Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), French Minister Delegate for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, called for greater exchange of expertise and technical cooperation between Morocco and France in the agricultural sector. As France is the guest of honor at the 17th edition of SIAM, Haddad emphasized the urgency of collaboration in response to food sovereignty, climate adaptation, and resource preservation challenges. «We must support technical cooperation to develop sustainable, locally adapted solutions driven by innovation», he said. Highlighting the growing momentum in Franco-Moroccan agricultural ties, Haddad noted that the event should shape an ambitious partnership model, making it a strategic driver for the broader Mediterranean region. Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, also took the stage, advocating for balanced Europe-Africa cooperation. «Africa must be central in global dynamics», he said, urging a partnership combining European innovation with Africa's resources and human potential. He also praised Italy-Morocco collaboration on water management, calling for wider exchange of best practices. The high-level conference, themed «Water management for sustainable and resilient agriculture», was opened by Moroccan Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari, with contributions from Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka, and World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon. SIAM 2025 runs from April 21 to 27, gathering 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries. The exhibition serves as a major hub for agricultural policy dialogue, international partnerships, and sustainable development solutions.
