French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin’s visit to Morocco aims to enhance judicial cooperation and address challenges in asset confiscation from drug trafficking. He praised Morocco’s intelligence efforts in combating radicalization and highlighted successes in counter-terrorism. Diplomatic relations between France and Morocco are strengthening, coupled with discussions on civil law improvements.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Morocco for 24 hours to strengthen judicial collaboration between France and Morocco, marking his inaugural visit as justice minister. In an interview, Darmanin praised the judicial cooperation, commenting, “This cooperation is excellent,” and emphasized the intelligence Morocco provides in combating radicalization, aiding joint efforts in preventing attacks.
Darmanin addressed challenges regarding asset confiscation from drug traffickers, noting that while much is seized, the actual confiscation remains low. “We’re talking about houses, apartments, cars, sometimes cryptocurrencies… However, we still have a small difficulty between us regarding confiscation,” he explained, highlighting the need for improvement on both sides.
Meetings are planned with Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi and prosecutor El-Hassan Daki to discuss key issues such as counter-terrorism and organized crime. The French Agency for Managing and Recovering Seized and Confiscated Assets (Agrasc) could aid Morocco in asset recovery efforts. The effective collaboration has led to significant successes, including the dismantling of IS cells and the extradition of major French drug traffickers.
Darmanin’s previous visit in April 2024, focused on a security partnership, underscored Morocco’s instrumental role in capturing high-profile French drug traffickers. His current visit coincides with efforts to streamline consular passes crucial for the expulsion of irregular migrants from France.
This visit enhances France-Morocco diplomatic relations, building on recent high-level engagements that affirm support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region. Plans also include improving civil law cooperation to address personal matters such as marriages, inheritances, and divorces.
The visit by French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin to Morocco emphasizes the strengthening of judicial cooperation and is pivotal for addressing issues like counter-terrorism and organized crime. Both countries aim to improve processes for asset confiscation while enhancing diplomatic ties, particularly regarding Morocco’s sovereignty and addressing civil law matters. This partnership reflects a growing commitment to mutual security and collaboration.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
