French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Morocco to enhance judicial cooperation, focusing on counter-terrorism, organized crime, and asset confiscation. He praised Morocco’s intelligence work and aims to improve judicial confiscation rates. The visit is part of broader diplomatic efforts following France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin’s recent 24-hour visit to Morocco aimed to enhance judicial collaboration between France and Morocco. This marked his inaugural trip in his capacity as justice minister. In an interview with Moroccan television, Darmanin praised the ongoing judicial cooperation, noting the importance of Moroccan intelligence efforts in countering radicalization and its contribution to averting terrorist attacks.
Darmanin discussed the essential issue of asset confiscation from drug traffickers, including seizing properties, vehicles, and cryptocurrencies. He emphasized the necessity for improvement in judicial confiscation rates on both sides of the Mediterranean, stating, “in judicial cases, we seize a lot, but we confiscate relatively little.”
During his visit, the minister is expected to engage with Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi and the King’s Prosecutor General, El-Hassan Daki, discussing key agenda items such as counter-terrorism strategies and organized crime. Darmanin proposed that the French Agency for Managing and Recovering Seized and Confiscated Assets could aid Moroccan efforts in these matters.
Cooperation between the nations has yielded significant success, notably leading to the dismantling of Islamic State-linked cells in the Sahel and the arrest of major drug lords extradited to France. This visit follows Darmanin’s earlier trip in April 2024, when he discussed security partnerships in preparation for the Paris Olympics, praising Morocco’s capability in apprehending French drug traffickers.
In addition to judicial matters, Darmanin’s visit also involved discussions on expediting consular passes that facilitate France’s expulsion of irregular migrants. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had previously outlined an agreement to streamline expulsion procedures. Moreover, the minister indicated intentions to strengthen civil law cooperation, addressing issues related to marriages and inheritances.
Darmanin’s visit reflects a broader diplomatic trend, coinciding with prior engagements by French officials, including cultural and senate leaders, reinforcing the partnership following France’s acknowledgment of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara region.
In conclusion, Minister Gérald Darmanin’s visit to Morocco highlights the strengthening of judicial cooperation between France and Morocco, focusing on critical issues such as counter-terrorism and asset confiscation. Both countries are experiencing notable successes in collaborative efforts against crime and radicalization, which have significant implications for regional security. Furthermore, the discussions indicate a commitment to enhancing civil law cooperation, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to improving bilateral relations.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
