RABAT: Interior Minister of France Gerald Darmanin, has lauded Morocco’s help in combating terrorism in the European states as Paris prepares to host the 2024 Olympics.
Darmanin’s visit to Morocco comes at a point when the two nations are trying to come closer after a series of tensions and a sharp deterioration in France’s ties with countries in the Sahel region.
Darmanin in a meeting with Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit acknowledged the support of Moroccan intelligence services in fighting terrorism in France.
He expressed gratitude to the Moroccan intelligence, particularly in anticipation of the Olympic Games, which will start in July.
He went on to say the two countries will cooperate to ensure safety for the African Cup of Nations football tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco next year.
Darmanin is among several ministers of France who have visited Morocco over the past three months while attempting to renew and modernize French-Moroccan ties.
Tensions between Rabat and Paris, the former colonial power, included France’s 2021 visa restrictions for the citizens of Morocco.
Morocco has also been not happy with French President Emmanuel Macron’s anticipated rapprochement with Algeria, its rival in the region.
France was forced to withdraw troops from Mali in 2022 and from Niger and Burkina Faso last year after military coups saw ties nosedive.
