Macron’s visit closes the crisis with the sacrifice of Western Sahara

After three years of diplomatic crises, Macron’s visit to Rabat, accompanied by an entourage of more than 100 political representatives, businessmen and cultural figures, sealed the reconciliation between the two partners. In a speech before the two Moroccan chambers and encouraged by the applause of listeners, Macron stressed last Tuesday, October 29 that Morocco and France are determined to “write a new book together”.

Regarding Paris’ new position on Western Sahara, Macron insisted, in the same speech, on the fact that “The present and future of Western Sahara are part of the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”.

So much so that the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already renewed the map of the North African country and now the Moroccan press is wondering if France will soon open a consulate in the town of El Aaiún, in the Sahara. Western. Furthermore, the French president insisted on the fact that his position “is not hostile to anyone”, particularly in the allusions to Algeria, a former colony of France and home of the Polisario Front.

Other interesting topics

Macron’s first visit to Morocco in six years was also marked by progress in economic relations. Above all, the participation of the French groups Alstom and Egis in the construction and development of the second section of the high-speed line between the cities of Tangier and Marrakech, as well as other lines towards the south of the country currently under construction, is justifies outside.

In addition to broadband, France has also taken a giant step forward in its participation in sectors such as green hydrogen with Total Energies, in wind power with EDF and in the majority of desalination plants on the African continent, which will be under control of Véoila. Another notable economic success goes to the management of one of the terminals of the port of Nador. The world’s third largest container shipping company, CMA-CGM, will control the port enclave.

Immigration also occupies a central place. During his speech, Macron said the two countries “must have natural and fluid cooperation to achieve more results” in the fight against illegal immigration.

The new French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Détaileaumet his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftitand addressed several subjects, including the procedures for repatriating Moroccan citizens expelled from France. Between 2021 and 2022, Paris decided to halve the number of visas granted to the population of Moroccan origin, which increased tensions with Rabat.

Surprises and firsts

The visit also focused on culture, notably with the inauguration of the Grand Théâtre de Rabat as one of the most notable events. The building, completed three years ago and closed to the public, was inaugurated by Brigitte Macronwife of the French president, and Lalla Hasnasister of the king of Morocco. Designed by the architect Zaha Hadidthe theater was built with a budget of 200 million euros. Also present at the ceremony were the Moroccan Minister of Culture, Rachida Datiand the director of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay.

Among the faces of the Moroccan royal family and political figures of the two countries, the participation of the princess, Lalla Khadija. Aged 17 and daughter of Mohamed VI, she appeared publicly during an official event after five years of absence. His last appearance at a royal event was in 2019, when he attended the king’s reception. Philip VI of Spain and Queen Letizia, as well as the visit of Pope Francis to Morocco in March of the same year.