Paris – The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, held talks on Sunday in Paris with the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard, on the sidelines of the Salon International de l’Agriculture (SIA), taking place from February 21 to March 2.
During the meeting, which was attended by Morocco’s Ambassador to Paris, Samira Sitail, the two sides praised the excellence of bilateral agricultural cooperation, strengthened in 2024 by the signing of a framework agreement in the agricultural and forestry sectors, as well as several sector-specific administrative arrangements.
They expressed their shared determination to enhance the operational implementation of the agreed roadmaps, particularly in the areas of livestock farming, agricultural training, sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation, agricultural water management in the face of climate challenges, and strengthening exchanges between professional organizations in both countries, in support of sustainable agricultural development.
In a press statement following the meeting, Genevard welcomed the Kingdom’s participation in the Show, recalling that Morocco had been the guest of honor at the previous edition.
She noted that since the 2024 visit of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, to Morocco, the two countries have renewed key structural partnerships, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation in water management, in a context marked by global warming and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the French minister noted that the two friendly nations face similar challenges that they are called upon to address.
She also emphasized the quality and productive nature of existing partnerships in agricultural education and research.
Genevard further stated that agricultural trade between Morocco and France remains strong and is expected to grow further, both in plant and animal sectors, considering such meetings as valuable opportunities to reaffirm the shared interest in these partnerships.
She also reiterated France’s commitment to its ties of friendship and economic cooperation with the Kingdom, underscoring their strategic nature.
The Paris International Agricultural Show is France’s largest agricultural event and one of the world’s most significant gatherings dedicated to agriculture and food. It serves as an exceptional showcase for local products, livestock farming, animal genetics, and agricultural innovation.
Each year, the SIA brings together consumers, policymakers, industry professionals, and research stakeholders. In 2025, it welcomed more than 600,000 visitors, confirming its international reach and appeal.
