The French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau began an official visit to Morocco, on Monday, focusing on security and bilateral cooperation issues.
This visit is part of the renewed focus on relations between France and Morocco,, which began in the summer of 2024, amid a rebalancing of regional diplomatic balances.
The minister’s agenda includes a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftit. Discussions will focus on sensitive issues such as migration cooperation, the fight against transnational criminal networks, and strengthening joint efforts against illicit trafficking, particularly narcotics.
“I wish to consolidate the significant progress made with the Kingdom,” Mr. Retailleau declared during a press briefing held to mark his six months at the helm of the ministry,, particularly addressing the issue of consular passes, documents essential for the deportation of illegal immigrants.
This issue remains central to French migration policy, with Paris regularly denouncing the reluctance of certain third countries – particularly Algeria – to cooperate in the issuance of these documents. The subject had already been discussed during Mr. Retailleau’s previous visit to Rabat in October 2024.
MK/te/fss/gik/APA