French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati officially announced the creation of a French Alliance in Laâyoune this Monday, marking a major step in strengthening cultural ties between France and Morocco. This initiative aims to establish the institution as a key center for French language learning, artistic exchanges, and educational programs in Morocco’s southern provinces.
Accompanied by Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, as well as French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier, Rachida Dati made the announcement in the presence of local governors, elected officials, and cultural figures. She highlighted the significance of this project, emphasizing that it will provide students, teachers, and trainers with access to high-quality cultural resources while fostering an environment for artistic and intellectual collaboration.
This initiative aligns with the broader framework of Franco-Moroccan cultural cooperation and fulfills commitments made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to Morocco in October 2024. Dati stressed the importance of a structured and ambitious partnership, with ongoing agreements in the fields of media, heritage preservation, cinema, and creative industries. The ultimate goal is to make culture a driving force for development and closer ties between the two nations.
Beyond cultural collaboration, the French minister was struck by the economic and social transformation of Morocco’s southern provinces, particularly the modernization of infrastructure in Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra. She praised King Mohammed VI’s strategic vision, which has positioned the region as a hub for investment and innovation. Dati also highlighted Moroccan talent in artificial intelligence, recalling her recent meeting with Moroccan AI experts at a summit in France.
The issue of mobility for young artists was also a key topic of discussion. Dati expressed her commitment to facilitating visa access for Moroccan artists, allowing them to perform and train in France. This measure aims to encourage cultural diversity and artistic exchange between the two countries. She also paid tribute to Moroccan students in France, recognizing their significant contribution to French academia and cultural life.
As part of their visit, the ministers toured the Mohammed VI Media Library in Laâyoune, one of the country’s most important cultural centers. In Tarfaya, they explored historic sites such as the Kasbah of Tarfaya, the Casa del Mar fortress, which is currently being restored, and the Saint-Exupéry Museum, dedicated to the famous writer and aviator who once lived in the region and left a lasting legacy.
The inauguration of this French Alliance in Laâyoune is a clear testament to a shared ambition for cultural cooperation and openness. It further strengthens the position of Morocco’s southern provinces as a crossroads of exchange and dialogue between cultures. Through this initiative, France and Morocco reaffirm their joint commitment to culture, education, and linguistic diversity, paving the way for a new era of collaboration between the two countries.
