French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to make a state visit to Morocco at the end of October, according to an announcement from the Élysée Palace cited in converging French media reports.
The visit comes in response to King Mohammed VI’s invitation letter to the French president, according to reports.
This visit will be “an opportunity to give our exceptional partnership a renewed and ambitious vision covering several strategic sectors, taking into account the priorities of our two countries,” King Mohammed VI wrote in the letter, as stated by Élysée.
After years of diplomatically strained relations, Morocco-French relations reached new heights following France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
On July 30, Paris announced its support for Morocco’s plan, proclaiming it as “the only basis” for resolving a nearly 50-year-old conflict.
France’s recognition adds to a long list of Western countries who have endorsed Morocco’s position on the Sahara issue. In 2020, Morocco gained the support of the United States and Spain in 2021.
The warming of relations between France and Morocco has paved the way for new economic and commercial opportunities for companies from both countries.
Following Paris’ policy shift, French engineering firm Egis was awarded a contract to extend the high-speed train line between Kenitra and Marrakech.
French companies are already active in the region, notably the energy company Engie, which is involved in building a desalination plant and a wind farm.