French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Rabat on Monday for a three-day official visit, marking a new chapter in Franco-Moroccan relations. Macron was greeted by King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and Princesses Lalla Khadija and Lalla Meryem, with his wife, Brigitte, accompanying him.
Macron’s visit follows an invitation from King Mohammed VI after France reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. The trip aims to strengthen ties with new economic and cultural agreements expected to be signed, underscoring the nations’ shared goals.
During his stay, Macron and the King will inaugurate the Grand Théâtre de Rabat, a major cultural landmark with a 7,000-seat amphitheater and an 1,800-seat theater for more intimate performances.
This is Macron’s first visit to Morocco since 2018, following a period of tension over Western Sahara and migration policies. Morocco, a French protectorate until 1956, holds a significant place in French foreign relations as the largest site of French investment in Africa and a key trade partner in sectors ranging from agriculture to renewable energy.
France relies on Moroccan exports like tomatoes, automotive parts, and aircraft components, while Morocco benefits from French goods, including weapons, cereals, and green energy infrastructure. France’s Moroccan community, one of its largest, plays a substantial role in French socio-political discussions on Islam and immigration.
Macron’s last visit saw the inauguration of the Al Boraq high-speed rail line, built by French firm Alstrom. However, relations cooled in 2021 when France temporarily reduced visa access for Moroccans due to a diplomatic standoff over migration documentation.
Macron’s visit aims to restore diplomatic and business cooperation, continuing the longstanding partnership on shared priorities like counterterrorism and economic growth.
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