The CEO of the French Development Agency (AFD), Rémy Rioux, who is currently on a working visit to Morocco, has announced plans to carry out a field mission in the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces.

The announcement came during a press briefing on Friday in Rabat, following Rioux’s meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

Rioux explained that his visit is part of the implementation of the Joint Declaration signed in October 2024 between King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter’s state visit to Morocco.

“You might recall that on that occasion, President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s new position on the Southern Provinces,” he noted, adding that his current visit is part of the “rapid operationalisation” of that strategic commitment.

Rioux confirmed that AFD’s mandate has now been extended to Morocco’s Southern Provinces and that he will be visiting Laayoune on Saturday, and Dakhla on Sunday and Monday.

He described the trip as an important step in delivering on the commitments made in the bilateral agreement.

He highlighted the strategic significance of the region, saying, “The Southern Provinces represent a strategic link with Sub-Saharan Africa on the Atlantic coast,” and described it as “a very important action framework” for the AFD Group.

Rioux emphasised the strength and depth of the Morocco-France partnership, noting that Morocco remains AFD’s leading partner worldwide.

“Morocco accounts for over €3 billion in ongoing projects—more than 30 billion dirhams across 70 active projects,” he said.

He also pointed out that 80 AFD Group employees are currently working on the ground in Morocco, underscoring the importance of the agency’s presence in the country.

This visit by the AFD chief is part of the “Reinforced Exceptional Partnership” signed by King Mohammed VI and President Macron. It reflects the shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and supporting inclusive, sustainable development across all regions of Morocco.