9 French ministers, 60 businessmen negotiate with Morocco

Officials hope 30 agreements and contracts will be signed Moroccan King Mohammed VI welcomed French President Francois Hollande in an official dinner at the royal palace in Casablanca, held in the president’s honour. “We are delighted to welcome the President of a great nation, France, a country for which Moroccans have a deep affection and great esteem,” said King Mohammed VI.
“The relationship between Morocco and France is undoubtedly exceptional. Not only do we share a long history and a rich human and cultural heritage, but our relations are also getting stronger by the day, thanks to promising economic ties,” he noted.
He reiterated his commitment to further develop and expand the relationship, so that it may serve a much more ambitious Moroccan-French agenda.
“I would like education and training to form the bedrock of our partnership, given their important role in spurring competitiveness and innovation, creating stable jobs and promoting renewable energies as well as the new economy,” he added.
President Hollande praised the distinguished relations between the two countries, stressing that "both countries look forward to their future with the same confidence.”
Hollande was accompanied by nine ministers and 60 French business leaders. Officials hope some 30 agreements and contracts will be signed, notably in the transport, agriculture, water treatment and renewable energy sectors.
It is reported that in his speech to parliament, Hollande is expected to mention Morocco’s role in Mali, as Paris confirmed that "King Mohammed VI has taken a very clear position to support the French intervention in Morocco's southern neighbour."