The new dawn of the modern transportation age has resulted in many expansive projects across the globe within our time. This wave of progress continues on the African continent with the addition of a high-speed LGV train with a string of substantial stations located throughout Morocco. It is estimated that by 2025 the Rabat-Agdal station will have processed approximately 30 million passengers every year.
This train system is a singular form, nothing similar having been constructed quite like it. Estimated travel time between Tangier and Kenitra is said to be ninety minutes while a trip from Tangier to Casablanca is significantly reduced from five to just more than two mere hours.
Countries involved in the funding for the massive project first launched by King Mohammed VI include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and most notably France. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the initial partner in launching the project with King Mohammed in 2011. Nearly two billion dollars was included in the total foreign contributions.
Recent rumours and reports have begun circulating throughout Morocco in regards to an exclusive visit from French President Macron. President Macron is prepared to head the train’s launch as chair and is also expected to join in further talks with King Mohammed upon his visit.
France remains a very important ally to Morocco, receiving more exports from the African nation than ever and remaining a loyal investor. In addition, the two countries along with other allies continue to centre their focuses on combating terror threats and migratory issues as was apparent in French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s recent talks with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita.
Meanwhile, the new Moroccan train system began a preparatory operating phase in June while the entire project aims at official launch towards the end of the year when President Macron will be present for said launch. His visit is reported by anonymous sources to be taking place in mid-November while another trip for 2019 is also rumoured, according to Moroccan news, Hespress.
