French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco is highly anticipated as he arrives to discuss business ties and address the issue of illegal immigration between the two nations. Macron’s visit follows his recent endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, aligning France with the Moroccan government’s stance on the long-standing territorial dispute in the region. During the visit, Macron is scheduled to meet with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, as well as address the Moroccan parliament to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Macron’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July drew criticism from Algeria, a key supporter of the nationalist Sahrawi rebel group, the Polisario Front, who have been fighting Morocco in the contested region. Algeria recalled its ambassador from France and condemned Macron’s comments as endorsing “colonial rule” in Western Sahara. Despite the diplomatic tensions, Moroccan media has described Macron’s visit as a “warm reunion” between the two strategic allies, highlighting the deep-rooted partnership and shared interests between the nations.
Morocco remains a vital ally for France in North Africa, with strong economic ties and cooperation in areas such as business, climate, and counterterrorism. France is Morocco’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record €14 billion in 2023. The relationship between the two countries extends to various sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, and defense. Macron’s visit to Morocco is expected to further strengthen these ties and explore opportunities for future cooperation between the nations.
Immigration remains a contentious issue between France and Morocco, with over 836,000 Moroccans living in France, making them the second largest foreign-born community in the country. Recent debates in France surrounding immigration have placed North African immigrants at the forefront, sparking discussions about Islam and integration in French society. Following a rise in far-right political gains in France, authorities have advocated for stricter immigration policies, especially in light of recent criminal incidents involving migrants.
In 2021, relations between France and Morocco were strained after France imposed visa restrictions on citizens of several countries, including Morocco. This move led to a temporary suspension of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Illegal immigration continues to be a point of contention, with recent incidents highlighting the challenges faced by both countries in addressing the issue. Macron’s visit to Morocco presents an opportunity to discuss cooperation on immigration management and address mutual concerns regarding the influx of migrants from North Africa.
Overall, Macron’s visit to Morocco underscores the importance of diplomatic relations and economic partnerships between the two nations. Despite previous tensions over political differences, the visit aims to reaffirm the strong ties between France and Morocco and explore avenues for collaboration in various fields. As Macron engages with Moroccan leaders and addresses key issues such as business relations and immigration, the visit serves as a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding between the two longstanding allies in the region.
