French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Morocco for a significant three-day visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and business relations between the two nations. This trip is especially notable as it marks Macron’s first visit since he expressed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in July. During his time in Morocco, Macron plans to meet with King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and will also address the Moroccan parliament.
Macron’s pivot towards supporting Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara has shifted the dynamic of France’s foreign policy in the region. Previously, Macron had maintained a neutral stance on the contentious issue of Western Sahara, which the United Nations classifies as a “non-self-governing territory.” However, in July, he endorsed the Moroccan government’s position advocating for semi-autonomy for the territory, framing it as part of Morocco’s sovereignty.
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This alignment places France alongside several other nations that have backed Morocco’s claims, including the United States, which recognized Morocco’s stance on the issue in 2020 as part of a broader normalization of relations with Israel.
Despite the diplomatic strides, Macron’s support for Morocco has provoked backlash from Algeria, the main international supporter of the Polisario Front, the group that seeks independence for Western Sahara. Following Macron’s comments, Algeria recalled its ambassador from France and criticized Macron’s statements as an endorsement of colonialism, referencing the historical context of Morocco being a French protectorate until 1956.
In Morocco, however, the atmosphere surrounding Macron’s visit is one of optimism, with local media describing it as a “warm reunion” and signaling a “new honeymoon” in relations between the two countries. The Moroccan royal cabinet issued a statement highlighting the strong and enduring partnership that binds France and Morocco, emphasizing mutual interests in strengthening their bilateral ties.
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Morocco is a key ally for France in North Africa, characterized by strong cooperation in areas such as business, climate initiatives, and counterterrorism efforts. France remains Morocco’s largest trading partner, and the trade relationship has flourished over the years, with record levels of trade reaching €14 billion in 2023. Key exports from Morocco to France include agricultural products like tomatoes, automotive parts, and aerospace components, while Morocco imports cereals, renewable energy technology, and military equipment from France.
During Macron’s previous visit in 2018, he and King Mohammed VI inaugurated Africa’s first high-speed railway, a landmark project jointly developed by the French and Moroccan governments, underscoring the robust economic ties between the two nations.
Despite the strengthening of economic and political relations, immigration has become a contentious topic. With Moroccans making up the second-largest foreign-born community in France, discussions surrounding immigration and its implications have intensified, particularly in light of recent political developments in France where the far-right has gained traction. The French government has pushed for stricter immigration controls, particularly after a high-profile incident involving a Moroccan migrant accused of a serious crime.
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This visit by Macron comes against a backdrop of fluctuating relations between France and Morocco, including a period of tension in 2021 when France reduced the number of visas issued to citizens of several countries, including Morocco. This decision prompted Morocco to suspend certain diplomatic engagements, highlighting the complexities in their bilateral relationship.
Overall, Macron’s trip is poised to reinforce France’s commitment to strengthening ties with Morocco while navigating the delicate balance of regional diplomacy and domestic immigration challenges. The outcomes of the discussions between Macron and Moroccan leaders will likely shape the future trajectory of their bilateral relations, especially regarding issues such as trade, security, and territorial claims in Western Sahara.
