The Bordeaux-Aquitaine-Maroc association has been reactivated to foster cooperation between Morocco and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in France. The association brings together economic, academic, cultural, and institutional actors from both countries. This move aims to build on over four decades of ties and renew cooperation in human, cultural, economic, and social relations between Bordeaux, its region, and Morocco. The reactivation ceremony was held in Bordeaux, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.
The association was initially created in 1981 under the initiative of its founding president, Michel Laurent, a former elected official in Bordeaux. Its reactivation seeks to leverage the existing relationship and translate it into concrete projects benefiting both territories. Mohammed Boukhaled, the association's current president, emphasized the need for involvement from various actors, including economic, institutional, university, cultural, and community stakeholders. He also stressed the importance of developing the association as a strategic project serving institutions in Aquitaine and Morocco.
The Moroccan Consul General in Bordeaux, Nouzha Sahel, welcomed the association's reactivation, describing it as a "living heritage of relations between Bordeaux and Morocco." She highlighted the valuable foundation provided by the association's history for developing new initiatives. Sahel also called for greater territorial, economic, academic, and cultural cooperation to strengthen ties between Morocco and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. She urged the mobilization of Moroccan and Franco-Moroccan skills, including entrepreneurs, academics, and researchers.
Michel Laurent, the honorary president of the association, emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic exchanges and develop concrete and lasting initiatives, particularly in the cultural and economic fields. This sentiment was echoed by the association's organizers, who aim to use these connections to support practical cooperation between Moroccan and French institutions and actors in the region. The reactivation of the association comes as relations between Morocco and French territories continue to expand and diversify.
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region offers cooperation opportunities in several areas, including urban planning, culture, and the adaptation of territories to climate change. Educational and university exchanges are also among the proposed areas of cooperation, alongside partnerships between companies. The association's renewed activity brings together several fields, from business and higher education to culture and territorial development.
The reactivation of the Bordeaux-Aquitaine-Maroc association is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between Morocco and France. The association's organizers believe that this move will lead to the development of concrete projects and initiatives that will benefit both territories. The involvement of various actors, including economic, institutional, university, cultural, and community stakeholders, is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
The reactivation of the association has been well-received by various stakeholders, including the Moroccan Consul General in Bordeaux and the association's honorary president. The move is expected to enhance cooperation between Morocco and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in various sectors, including economy, culture, and education. The association's renewed activity is seen as a positive development in the relations between Morocco and France.
Key points
- The reactivation of the Bordeaux-Aquitaine-Maroc association aims to strengthen cooperation between Morocco and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in various sectors.
- The association brings together economic, academic, cultural, and institutional actors from Morocco and France to develop concrete projects and initiatives.
- The reactivation of the association is seen as a significant step in enhancing bilateral ties between Morocco and France.
