Macron in Morocco: a new impetus for bilateral relations
King Mohamed VI of Morocco received French President Emmanuel Macron in Morocco, where they signed a series of bilateral agreements, including major investments in renewable energy and transport.
Macron’s first trip to Morocco in six years comes as France reassesses its role in its former African colonies. Morocco has historically been a key economic and security partner for France, but relations between the two countries have so far appeared unbalanced. The primary aim of Macron’s visit is, as the French President himself put it, “to rebuild the exceptional partnership that links the two countries.”
Macron and Mohammed VI, forced to use a walking stick to walk, signed 22 agreements in a ceremony to facilitate future investment and cultural and scientific partnerships. The investments are worth a total of €10 billion, including the extension of Morocco’s high-speed rail line south to Marrakech, which the country hopes to complete before the 2030 FIFA World Cup. They also include projects to develop green hydrogen, wind farms and water projects, which Morocco has identified as part of its efforts to insulate itself from the effects of climate change.
Four French citizens detained in Ouagadougou have been released with the cooperation of the Moroccan King to maintain good Franco-Moroccan relations. This act illustrates the excellent relations between His Majesty the King and the President of Burkina Faso and the long-standing good relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Burkina Faso.
Source: European Correspondent
