In a move aimed at strengthening rapprochement between the two countries, and following France’s recognition of the Western Sahara autonomy initiative, the French president arrived in Morocco on Monday for a three-day visit at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.

On the second day of his visit to Rabat, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed in a speech before the Moroccan parliament his country’s support for “Morocco’s sovereignty” over Western Sahara, noting that “the present and future of the Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” Macron also announced France’s commitment to investing in the region, following the two countries’ signing of agreements estimated at €10 billion. He emphasized that his country’s position “does not carry any hostility towards any party, but rather is a call for cooperation with all parties seeking to enhance stability and development.”

The Moroccan monarch received Macron at the airport before they proceeded together to the royal palace in an official procession. A bilateral meeting was held, followed by the signing of agreements in various fields, including defense, security, immigration, energy, and education. The visit may appear to follow protocol, but it carries dual significance: it marks Macron’s first visit to Morocco since 2018 and comes after nearly three years of tension and diplomatic chill between Paris and Rabat. Relations were severely strained by the “Pegasus” case, which erupted after media investigations in the summer of 2021 accused Morocco of spying on French officials, including Macron. Despite Morocco’s denial of involvement at the time, the case had a negative impact on bilateral relations. France’s decision in September 2021 to tighten visa requirements for Moroccans deepened the rift further. Tensions eased somewhat after former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna visited Morocco in January 2022 and announced the end of the visa crisis.

However, disagreements resurfaced in 2023 when Morocco accused France of being behind European reports criticizing press freedom in the kingdom. Rabat was also displeased with France’s rapprochement with Algeria and called for a clearer stance from Paris on the Moroccan Sahara issue.

The Sahara: a turning point in renewed relations

The Trump administration recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara in December 2020. Since then, Rabat has classified its partners and opponents based on their stance on the issue—a classification solidified by the U.S. position. For decades, France attempted to remain “neutral” in the conflict, seeking to balance its relationships with both Algeria and Morocco. But on July 30, a shift occurred in the French position. Macron expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative, calling it the “only solution” to the conflict. This move marked the end of a diplomatic freeze, with signs of renewed cooperation such as the appointment of a new Moroccan ambassador to Paris and the acceleration of ministerial visits ahead of Macron’s trip.

Morocco:a trusted partner for France and Europe

Interest in Macron’s visit stems not only from its diplomatic significance but also from the broader regional and international context, especially amid growing political and security challenges in the Middle East and the African Sahel.

This backdrop lends the visit a strategic dimension for France, which faces mounting pressure to reinforce its presence and partnerships in Africa, particularly after a decline in regional influence. Morocco, due to its strategic location and strong ties across the continent, is well-positioned to help reshape France’s interests in Africa. The kingdom remains a reliable historical partner for France, committed to the Western-led liberal order—especially in relation to the United States and France.

Morocco is not only a key gateway to the Sahel and Sahara but also a major investor in African countries, ranking second on the continent after South Africa. France has come to see Morocco as a vital strategic ally, with the visit reflecting a broader shift and a reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara. Unlike Algeria—which opposes the French military presence in the Sahel—France relies on Morocco across multiple fronts. Economically, France finds its dealings with Morocco more seamless than with Algeria.

Morocco and France: economic interests

France remains Morocco’s top economic partner, with around 1,300 French companies operating in the country and investments reaching approximately €8.1 billion in 2022. Improved relations now offer fresh opportunities for French firms previously affected by political tensions.

These firms are increasingly looking to invest in the Moroccan Sahara, especially in sectors like energy, water desalination, and infrastructure. Alstom, a company specializing in power and railway infrastructure, stands a strong chance of winning the contract to supply new trains for the high-speed line planned between Marrakech and Kenitra. Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal also presents a significant investment opportunity for France to contribute its infrastructure expertise.

Immigration and security cooperation

Moroccan authorities have thwarted over 45,000 illegal immigration attempts since the beginning of 2024. Immigration remains central to Moroccan-French relations, with Paris viewing Rabat as a strategic partner under pressure from Europe to curb illegal immigration.

Analysts argue that one reason behind France and Spain’s position on the Sahara is the fear that Morocco could use immigration as leverage, given Europe’s deep concern over the issue. European countries count on Morocco to help manage it, given its proximity to the continent. Other analysts highlight Morocco’s 2023 arrest of roughly 87,000 migrants as evidence of its commitment to security cooperation with Europe. Authorities say more than 45,000 attempts have already been thwarted in 2024.

Despite fluctuations in the relationship, historical and cultural ties between Morocco and France remain robust. French continues to serve as Morocco’s first unofficial language, and France’s policy toward Morocco has remained largely consistent across changes in presidential administrations—indicating the durability of this long-standing relationship.