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Morocco and France sign two defense industry cooperation agreements
via Le Matin1 min read
Morocco and France have signed a Technical Arrangement and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the defense industry. This development follows a visit aimed at consolidating and diversifying bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Officials from both countries praised the strong friendship and high level of military cooperation, which has gained new momentum since the signing of the Declaration on the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership by His Majesty the King and the President of the French Republic during a state visit to Morocco in October 2024. Discussions also covered bilateral and regional issues, as well as methods to strengthen and diversify military cooperation. Both parties expressed a shared ambition to solidify these relations through the implementation of the newly signed legal instruments in the defense industry, reflecting the friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
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Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Atlas Lions, and Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid attacking midfielder, have both spoken out following Morocco's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Hakimi posted on Instagram, stating that "great nations are not defined by a defeat, but by all that they build. Morocco continues to write its history. And the best is yet to come." He played in all six tournament matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists, and was noted for his influence in the game. Diaz also addressed Moroccan supporters, acknowledging the disappointment but promising a stronger return. He said, "A few days ago, our World Cup journey ended. We leave with a feeling of sadness, but the path will not stop there. We will come back stronger and more determined for our homeland." Diaz thanked the Moroccan public for their unlimited support throughout the competition. Despite the disappointment, the team, led by Mohamed Ouahbi, leaves the United States confident in their standing among the world's top teams and ambitious for future competitions.
Must ReadS茅bastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces, reaffirmed France's "intangible" and unwavering position in favor of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. Speaking at a press briefing following a High-Level Meeting HLM co-chaired with the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, Lecornu stated that France stands "loyally and faithfully" with Morocco. He emphasized the clarity of the position expressed by French President Emmanuel Macron in a message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Throne Day on July 30, 2024. In that message, President Macron officially affirmed that he considers the present and future of the Sahara to be within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The 15th session of the Morocco-France HLM was held to reinforce the exceptional partnership between the two nations, guided by King Mohammed VI and President Macron.
A 2007 photograph showing a young Lionel Messi bathing an infant Lamine Yamal has resurfaced and gone viral during Euro 2024. The picture was originally taken for a charity calendar by Spanish sports daily Sport, in collaboration with the FC Barcelona Foundation and UNICEF. Parents of Lamine Yamal, now a star for the Spanish national team, entered their son into a drawing to participate, leading to his pairing with Messi for the photoshoot in the Camp Nou visitor's locker room. At the time, Messi was 20 years old and had not yet won a Ballon d'Or or a World Cup. The photographer, Joan Monfort, used a plastic duck to help relax the atmosphere, resulting in the now-iconic smiling image. The photo, which accompanied the 2008 charity calendar, gained renewed attention when Lamine Yamal's father posted it on social media during Euro 2024, where his 16-year-old son was a breakout star. The coincidence fascinated internet users, who widely shared the image. Nearly two decades later, parallels between the two players are noted, including their origins in La Masia, FC Barcelona's training academy, their left-footed play on the right wing, and both having worn the club's number 10 jersey. Additionally, both Messi and Yamal scored their first World Cup goals at age 18. Messi scored for Argentina in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro, while Yamal scored for Spain against Saudi Arabia in 2026.