France’s president is visiting Morocco after his Western Sahara change brings a ‘new honeymoon’
- Macron's visit to Morocco includes meetings with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to discuss key partnership areas.
- His support for Morocco's autonomy plan in Western Sahara has positively impacted Franco-Moroccan relations but worsened ties with Algeria.
- The trip signifies a renewed commitment between France and Morocco to collaborate on trade and immigration, highlighting the significance of their historical partnership.
On October 28, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Morocco for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. He is set to meet with Moroccan leaders, including King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, to discuss trade, climate change, and immigration issues. This visit follows Macron's recent endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a move that has significantly improved Franco-Moroccan relations while straining ties with Algeria, which opposes Morocco's position. The visit is receiving considerable positive media coverage in Morocco, highlighting a 'new honeymoon' phase between the two nations. Historically, France and Morocco have enjoyed a close partnership, with France being Morocco’s largest trade partner and Morocco being a top destination for French investment in Africa. However, relations have faced challenges, including a previous suspension of consular relations in 2021 over visa issues for Moroccans. Macron's agenda includes addressing immigration policies, reflecting France's desire to collaborate more closely with Morocco on managing migration to Europe. The visit emphasizes the ongoing importance of the relationship in addressing regional issues, enhancing economic ties, and dealing with migration crises, while marking a new chapter in Franco-Moroccan diplomacy following key policy shifts.