King Mohammed VI arrived in Paris on September 18 and is expected to participate in the 19th summit of the International Francophonie Organization (OIF), taking place on October 4 and 5 in Paris and Villers-Cotterêts, according to news outlet “Jeune Afrique.”
The King’s presence has reportedly been confirmed to both the OIF organizers and Élysée.
The event, which marks the first time in 33 years that the summit is held in France, will host several African heads of state, including Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Cameroon’s Paul Biya, Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara, and Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
King Mohammed VI will be accompanied by key Moroccan figures, such as royal advisors, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitail.
The King’s participation is seen as a “strong signal,” reflecting Morocco’s ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen Franco-Moroccan relations, added the same source.
Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and representatives of Morocco’s business community, including Chakib El Alj and Mehdi Tazi of CGEM, are also expected to attend the summit’s economic side event, Franco-Tech, held at Paris’ Station F.
Some analysts speculate that this visit could indicate a broader political agreement between Morocco and France, with France potentially hoping to exchange its recent recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara for Rabat’s support in African regions where France faces challenges in the last few years.
As the summit approaches, questions remain regarding King Mohammed VI’s schedule, including whether he will deliver a speech or attend key events like the dinner for heads of state .