🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco and France revive agricultural partnership for 2026-2027 at SIAM
via Le Matin2 min read
The Moroccan-French Joint Agricultural Committee met on April 21 at the International Agricultural Show in Morocco SIAM in Meknes, confirming the revival of a strategic partnership between the two countries. Co-chaired by Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, and his French counterpart, Annie Genevard, the meeting reviewed cooperation since 2024 and set new priorities. This follows a framework agreement signed in October 2024, which intensified exchanges through knowledge transfer, co-construction of projects, and networking of institutional and scientific actors. Both parties praised the results of the "2025 cross-agricultural year." Livestock farming is a central focus, with discussions on herd reconstitution, genetic improvement, and fodder resource development to adapt production systems to climate change and ensure food security. The partnership also emphasizes training, research, and health security, including mobility programs, double degrees, and collaborative research. Cooperation between ONSSA and the French Directorate General for Food DGAL has improved risk management and secured trade. Sustainable management of agricultural water and forest resources is another strategic area. New themes include the digitalization of agricultural services, youth integration in rural areas, and human capacity building. Rabat and Paris reaffirmed their goal to make this partnership an operational lever to address contemporary agricultural challenges, focusing on concre
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Must ReadMorocco has condemned the attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. This condemnation was expressed by Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco's permanent representative ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, during an extraordinary session of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA Board of Governors. The session was convened at the request of Arab member states of the Council Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt following the attack, which compromised the nuclear safety of the UAE. During the session, attended by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Mr. Farhane stated that Morocco reaffirms its full solidarity with the UAE and supports its legitimate right to defend its security, sovereignty, and the protection of its citizens and residents. The ambassador recalled the firm positions expressed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI regarding the aggressions suffered by the UAE since the beginning of the war. Mr. Farhane also noted that Morocco commends the prompt and transparent information provided by the competent UAE authorities to the IAEA regarding the consequences of this attack, as well as the effective measures taken to mitigate its effects, particularly maintaining radiation levels around the Barakah nuclear power plant within normal limits. Mr. Farhane also expressed Morocco's appreciation for the continuous efforts made by the UAE authorities to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful operation of the Barakah nuclear power plant, whic
A 31-year-old individual has been arrested in M'diq on suspicion of planning and preparing a terrorist plot, according to the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations BCIJ. The BCIJ stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to counter terrorist organizations threatening the Kingdom's security and public safety. Initial investigations and security monitoring revealed that the suspect was involved in preparing terrorist projects as part of "lone wolf Jihad," acquiring expertise in explosive manufacturing to execute plans targeting public safety, individuals, and vital installations. The suspect is currently in police custody for judicial investigation by the BCIJ, under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor's Office for terrorism affairs, to uncover all attributed extremist activities and determine any national or international links to terrorist organizations.
Ahead of the highly anticipated match between Morocco and Brazil in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the ambassadors of both countries in Washington, Youssef Amrani of Morocco and Maria Luisa Ribeiro Viotti of Brazil, participated in a 90-minute discussion on "The Power of Sport in Diplomacy." The event was organized by the American think tank Atlantic Council. Both ambassadors highlighted that the people of Morocco and Brazil are united by a shared passion for football, emphasizing that the relationship between the two nations has strong potential for further strengthening due to their convergences and economic complementarities. Ambassador Amrani spoke about sport as a tool for influence, fostering connections between people, and enhancing nations' international presence. He stated that football is a universal language capable of transcending borders, cultures, and divisions. He shared that after nearly fifty years in diplomacy, he has learned that football can open doors and build connections in 90 minutes that diplomacy sometimes takes years to achieve. Amrani also praised the United States' preparations for the 2026 World Cup, noting its symbolic timing with the 250th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the United States. He also highlighted the historical significance of the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, positioning Morocco as a link between Africa, Europe, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. Amrani further elaborated o
FIFA has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup, designed to enhance visibility and fan engagement. The stadium will transform into a 360-degree stage, ensuring all spectators can view the ceremony. Giant banners, flags, and visual elements representing the two competing nations will be placed on the field. Players will enter the pitch with children from the youth program, passing through an arch near their tunnel. A large banner will be installed in the center circle, where both teams will gather for the national anthems. A significant change is that all players from both teams, not just the starting eleven, will be present in the center of the field for the national anthems. FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes this new ceremony will strengthen unity among players, referees, and fans, creating a moment of unity, pride, and emotion. Following the anthems, traditional rituals will resume, including handshakes, official team photos, and the coin toss by the captains. For later stages of the competition, FIFA plans to incorporate additional visual effects, such as colored smoke and pyrotechnics, to further amplify the pre-match ceremonies.