Doha: French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his pride in welcoming Morocco as the first-ever foreign guest of honor at the International Agriculture Show (SIA) in Paris, marking a historic milestone in the event’s 61-year history.
“We are very happy and very proud to have Morocco as the guest of honor,” Macron stated before inaugurating the exhibition alongside Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. The decision follows Macron’s recent state visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
A Showcase of Moroccan Agriculture
Morocco’s 476-square-meter pavilion highlights regional agricultural products, women’s cooperative goods, and cultural performances. Akhannouch emphasized the importance of showcasing Morocco’s agricultural diversity, calling it a testament to the strong partnership between Morocco and France.
French dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Moroccan Ambassador Samira Sitail, attended the opening ceremony, reflecting the deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Strengthening Agricultural Trade
The event comes amid improving France-Morocco relations, following diplomatic tensions in 2021. France remains Morocco’s primary supplier of soft wheat, while Morocco plays a critical role in global agriculture with its vast phosphate reserves key to fertilizer production.
French media highlighted Morocco’s booming agricultural exports:
• 400,000 tons of tomatoes to France in 2023 (75% of France’s imports)
• 45,000 tons of peppers, a 1,040% increase over two decades
• 180,000 tons of fresh fruit, with watermelons (69%) and melons (22%) leading the shipments
With this historic recognition at SIA 2025, Morocco solidifies its status as a vital player in global agriculture while reinforcing its strategic alliance with France. (Extract from moroccoworldnews.com)
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