LYON, France — November 11, 2026 — Morocco’s expanding role in Euro-African cooperation and the future of its strategic partnership with France were highlighted Tuesday during a conference in Lyon that brought together Moroccan institutional representatives, academics and local officials.
The conference, organized by the Moroccan Center for Research on Globalization (NejMaroc) in partnership with the Consulate General of Morocco in Lyon, examined Morocco’s economic and strategic position, major infrastructure projects and opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Morocco, France and the broader African continent.
The event was held as part of celebrations marking the Green March and Unity Day and was organized under the theme “France-Morocco: A Strategic Partnership Between Diplomacy and Expertise.”
Morocco’s infrastructure and regional role
Morocco’s Consul General in Lyon, Rajae Benchaji, highlighted what she described as a broad transformation taking place in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
Among the initiatives cited during the conference were Morocco’s Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, the African-Atlantic gas pipeline project, Tanger Med port, high-speed rail infrastructure, and the development of the Nador West Med and Dakhla Atlantique ports.
The projects were presented as part of Morocco’s broader efforts to strengthen its position as an economic and strategic link between Europe and Africa.
Benchaji also pointed to the expansion of Morocco-France cooperation across several strategic sectors, including transport, education, culture, defense, civil aviation and water management.
Strengthening the Morocco-France partnership
Yassine El Yattioui, secretary general of NejMaroc, described Morocco as an emerging African power and an important partner for France.
He stressed the need to further expand bilateral cooperation in areas including the economy, diplomacy, science and education.
The conference also examined prospects for greater cooperation between French and Moroccan universities and the role of younger generations in strengthening ties between the two countries.
A broader platform for dialogue
Organizers said the Lyon conference marks the beginning of a series of meetings designed to bring together institutional representatives, academics and locally elected officials to discuss the future of France-Morocco relations and wider Euro-African cooperation.
The discussions reflect the growing focus on Morocco’s role as a bridge between European and African economic, diplomatic and institutional networks, while also highlighting areas where cooperation between Rabat and Paris could continue to develop.
The conference comes as Morocco continues to position infrastructure, economic partnerships and regional connectivity as important elements of its engagement with Europe and Africa.
World Media Feed Editorial Team
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