Morocco and France signed an action plan on Monday in Rabat to deepen technical cooperation in the field of justice for the 2026–2028 period, establishing a structured and long-term framework for collaboration and exchanges between the two countries’ justice ministries.
The document was initialled by Morocco’s Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi and France’s Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin. Officials said the agreement reflects the two nations’ intention to reinforce bilateral ties and support ongoing efforts to modernize judicial systems while promoting fair access to legal rights.
The new plan builds on a series of previous cooperation instruments between Rabat and Paris, including an administrative cooperation agreement signed in 2012, a memorandum of understanding concluded in 2018, a 2024–2026 technical cooperation plan signed in May 2024, and a joint declaration issued in March 2025. Authorities described the 2026–2028 roadmap as a continuation and expansion of these earlier initiatives.
According to the Moroccan Ministry of Justice, the action plan aims to create a sustainable structure for cooperation, particularly in modernizing judicial administration and strengthening human-resource management through the exchange of expertise, knowledge and best practices. The framework also seeks to capitalize on the results of earlier joint programs.
Key areas of cooperation include the digitization and modernization of judicial administration, improved governance mechanisms, professional training and capacity building for justice sector personnel, and the exchange of information on legislative and regulatory developments. The plan also предусматриes technical support for judicial reform projects in both countries.
Practical cooperation measures will involve workshops, study visits of varying durations for magistrates and judicial officials, joint conferences and forums, and coordinated participation in international legal events. Specialized expert groups are also expected to be formed to address priority themes.
To monitor implementation, the agreement introduces an annual technical cooperation agenda starting in 2026, alongside yearly evaluations intended to measure progress and adjust priorities where necessary.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ouahbi said the agreement demonstrates the strength of Moroccan-French relations, particularly in crime prevention and institutional cooperation. Darmanin, for his part, highlighted what he described as “exemplary” collaboration between the two countries in combating organized crime and enhancing information exchange across the Mediterranean, especially in efforts targeting drug trafficking networks.
The French minister also commended Morocco’s recent legislative modernization efforts and noted he would meet Moroccan legal professionals during his visit to discuss topics including international commercial and economic arbitration.
In a statement, Morocco’s Justice Ministry said the action plan illustrates both governments’ shared commitment to strengthening judicial cooperation, with the broader objective of reinforcing good governance practices and the rule of law at national and international levels.
