French President Emmanuel Macron and Moroccan King Mohammed VI are set to strengthen their historically significant partnership during Macron’s state visit to Rabat. Accompanied by a large delegation, including several ministers and top executives, they aim to address past disputes and sign agreements on key issues such as energy and education. This visit, originally planned for 2020, underscores a renewed focus on collaboration, with both leaders seeking to enhance cooperation amid ongoing challenges, particularly related to Western Sahara and immigration.
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron and Moroccan King Mohammed VI will take steps to mend a relationship that has faced significant challenges over the past three years. This meeting in Rabat aims to rejuvenate the historic partnership between Morocco and France, the former colonial power.
“We plan to rebuild our relationship while also looking ahead into the future,” stated French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, emphasizing the need to set high expectations across various sectors.
Macron is scheduled to arrive in Rabat at 5:30 pm local time, accompanied by his wife, Brigitte, for a three-day state visit. To signify the importance of this reconnection, he will travel with a substantial delegation including nine ministers. Key figures will be in attendance, such as Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who will address immigration concerns, Economy Minister Antoine Armand, National Education Minister Anne Genetet, and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who has Moroccan heritage.
The delegation will also feature senior executives from major companies like Engie, Alstom, Safran, TotalEnergies, and Suez, alongside representatives from Airbus, Veolia, Thalès, and construction firm Colas.
Cultural figures from the Franco-Moroccan community, including authors Tahar Benjelloun and Leïla Slimani, comedian Djamel Debbouze, and actor Gérard Darmon, will also attend the event.
King Mohammed VI will personally welcome Macron at the Rabat airport, where a ceremonial 21-gun salute will mark the occasion.
– Addressing Disputes –
Following the airport reception, the two leaders will travel via a ceremonial carriage to the Royal Palace for a private meeting, during which they are expected to sign agreements addressing sectors such as energy, water, education, and homeland security.
During this encounter, they aim to resolve lingering disputes, including accusations of phone tapping and the controversial reduction of visas issued to Moroccans in 2021–2022, which was perceived as pressure on Rabat to repatriate its illegal nationals.
Macron’s prioritization of Algeria after his 2022 re-election also stirred tensions, particularly as Morocco and Algeria’s rivalry has intensified regarding Western Sahara.
This former Spanish territory, classified as a ‘non-self-governing territory’ by the UN, has been embroiled in conflict for decades, with Morocco clashing with the Sahrawi independence fighters supported by Algeria.
These ongoing issues have previously led to postponed visits from Macron, including one initially set for early 2020, following earlier visits in 2017 and 2018. Ultimately, Macron chose to foster warmer relations with Morocco, acknowledging France’s economic interests in the region and expressing support in July for a resolution in Western Sahara “within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
– Potential Contracts –
The French president is expected to reiterate this position during an address to Parliament on Tuesday, recognizing Western Sahara as a crucial national concern for Morocco.
Morocco is optimistic that this shift in France’s stance will lead to much-needed investments in its abundant fisheries, solar, wind, and phosphate resources.
The upcoming visit might also pave the way for significant contracts, although discussions have remained confidential until now. Reports suggest that Airbus Helicopters may finalize a deal to supply the Moroccan Armed Forces with 12 to 18 Caracal helicopters.
Additionally, France aims to continue being Morocco’s preferred partner for expanding the high-speed train line between Tangier and Agadir, following the successful inauguration of the first segment in 2018, attended by both leaders.
Regarding immigration, the newly appointed Interior Minister Retailleau intends to urge Morocco to accept its nationals who have been illegally arrested. However, in light of the previous visa crisis, the French government is committed to progressing through open dialogue. “We must learn from past mistakes,” asserted Jean-Noël Barrot, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues within a broader partnership framework.