Morocco/France: Mr. Benjamin Haddad Calls for Strengthening the Exchange of Expertise in the Agricultural Sector
French Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, emphasized today, Tuesday in Meknes, the need to strengthen the exchange of experiences and the transfer of expertise in the agricultural field between Morocco and France.
In his speech at the opening of a high-level international conference held as part of the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco—where France is the guest of honor—Mr. Haddad stressed the importance of effectively supporting technical cooperation between the two countries, especially in a context marked by challenges related to food sovereignty, climate change adaptation, and resource preservation, all of which require joint mobilization.
He noted that such cooperation would encourage the emergence of concrete and sustainable solutions driven by innovation and adaptation to local realities.
Mr. Haddad also praised the growing exchanges between France and Morocco, where agricultural management constitutes a key theme of this cooperation. He highlighted that France’s selection as the guest of honor at the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco reflects the strong partnership with the Kingdom.
He further stated that the conference serves to outline the main elements of an ambitious exchange, making the partnership between the two countries a strategic driver for the entire Mediterranean region.
For his part, Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida, underscored the importance of balanced cooperation between Europe and Africa in addressing challenges related to food security, water, and climate change.
Mr. Lollobrigida expressed his support for a joint development based on parity, emphasizing Africa’s central role in global dynamics.
In this regard, he called for cooperation that combines Europe’s research and innovation capacities with Africa’s human resources and potential.
The Italian minister also commended the cooperation between his country and Morocco in the field of water resource management through agreements and scientific initiatives, urging further sharing of expertise and best practices.
He concluded that agriculture should not only be viewed as a consumer of water, but also as a guarantor of sustainability and food security.
The opening session of this conference, titled “Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture,” was inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed Bouri, and featured contributions from the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, and the President of the World Water Council, Loïc Fauchon.
The International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco is held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, with the participation of 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, from April 21 to 27, under the theme “Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development.”
This exhibition, which serves as a true forum for agricultural policies, represents a key event for strengthening exchanges, consolidating international partnerships, and highlighting practical solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
#adil EL ARABI