Morocco’s Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery announced today that French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, First Lady Brigitte Macron, have accepted the invitation of King Mohammed VI and will make a three-day state visit to Morocco on October 28-30.
“The visit highlights the deep bilateral relations between France and Morocco, built on a robust and enduring partnership,” the Ministry stated. “It reflects the shared commitment of both heads of state to further strengthen the diverse ties that connect their countries.”
After a chilling of the relationship when France got its nose bent out of shape last year over Morocco’s response to its offer of earthquake assistance, Macron officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara on Throne Day in July.
In his message to King Mohammed VI on the 25th Throne Day anniversary, Macron said for the first time that “the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” He also reaffirmed “the unwavering position of France on this issue of national security for the Kingdom,” underlining that France will act “in alignment with this position both nationally and internationally.”
France’s recognition followed a series of other countries recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, led by the United States of America as part of the Abraham Accords in December 2020.