“Shared Destiny” Presents a New Vision for Moroccan-French Relations

Lawyer and professor of law Hubert Seillan recently published the first volume of his new book Shared Destiny through La Croisée des Chemins publishing house. The book sheds light on the deep and exceptional relations between Morocco and France, which entered a new phase of partnership following French President Emmanuel Macron‘s visit to Morocco and his fruitful discussions with King Mohammed VI.

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In an exclusive interview with the Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP), Seillan introduced his book, noting that the decision to write it aligns with a path he initiated about ten years ago alongside a group of French and Moroccan authors sharing the idea of a shared destiny. This collaboration led to the establishment of the France-Morocco Foundation for Peace and Sustainable Development.

The author asserts that the historical, cultural, and human ties between the two countries, discussed by contributors from diverse backgrounds, are not new or limited to the protectorate period that began in 1912. These connections date back to much earlier times, including the era of the former French monarchy and even before that, as he mentioned in previous works on the Moroccan Sahara issue or the relations between Lyautey and Sultan Moulay Youssef.

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He stated: “The discussion should not be limited to the well-known event between Sultan Moulay Ismail and Louis XIV. There are numerous other relations of different natures, as well as many treaties concluded between the two countries.”

He added: “What sets this book apart is its ambition to integrate diverse perspectives from both sides of the borders. To this end, I structured it into chapters covering history, Morocco’s democratic dynamism—including reforms undertaken—and sections on international relations, culture, and development.”

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Hubert Seillan believes that the cultural and emotional proximity between Morocco and France, along with their historical ties, forms the central theme of his book. He emphasized that this spirit was reaffirmed during Macron‘s recent visit to Morocco, where both countries agreed to establish a stronger and more sustainable partnership aimed at addressing future challenges in a spirit of solidarity and mutual understanding.

Last weekend, Shared Destiny was presented at the headquarters of the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat. The event was organized by the Rabat Fath Association for Sustainable Development and the France-Morocco Foundation for Peace and Sustainable Development, bringing together a number of prominent figures from various backgrounds.

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The French author is renowned for his support of the Moroccan Sahara cause. In his books and numerous articles in the French press, he has highlighted the Sahara issue and human rights. In 2018, he published a book entitled The Politician vs. the Law through La Croisée des Chemins, which focused on the trial proceedings of Gdim Izik.

As an international observer in the field of human rights, Hubert Seillan shared his impressions and findings from his research and field investigations into the trial, which involved 23 defendants linked to the dismantling of the Gdim Izik camp.

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