April 14, 2024 – 07:00 – Morocco
French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing for a state visit to Morocco, amid efforts made by Paris to improve relations with Rabat.
This visit comes in the wake of previous postponements due to deep political differences between the two countries. A French diplomatic source confirmed to Atlas Info that Macron's arrival in Morocco will certainly go ahead, although a specific date has not yet been set. This postponement is due to specific reasons that were discussed between Morocco and France and still require further detail.
Read also: “The Sahara issue will be resolved by Macron and Mohammed VI”
Pending the date of Emmanuel Macron's state visit, several ministerial visits are scheduled to take place between the two countries. For example, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin will spend three days in Rabat starting April 21 for talks with his Moroccan counterparts.
Diplomatic relations between France and Morocco, which have remained tense for a long time, appear to be improving. Recently, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowed French development finance institutions such as Proparco and the public investment bank BB France to finance projects in the Moroccan Sahara. These funds are seen as a step by France towards recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, a long-awaited desire of Rabat.
Read also: Mohammed VI and Emmanuel Macron: Forgetting the tensions
French Foreign Minister Stephane Ségourny also recently confirmed that France recognizes Morocco's economic development in the Sahara and that Paris will support this development by bringing French public contractors to the region. This will undoubtedly be an important topic for discussion during the meeting between Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI.
