فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Paris, Rabat – After years of tension followed by a period of “calm relations,” a strong momentum is shaping the future of Moroccan-French cooperation, as King Mohammed VI is expected to make an official visit to France either in late 2025 or early 2026. This long-awaited visit, which has been postponed several times, marks the culmination of a significant improvement in relations between Rabat and Paris, especially following France’s explicit recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
A Moroccan diplomatic source, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that this visit, to which French President Emmanuel Macron has invited the King, will be preceded by a series of high-level preparatory meetings.
Renewed Warmth in Bilateral Relations
The announcement of this anticipated visit is a strong indicator of turning the page on the period of diplomatic coolness between the two countries. Relations reached a decisive turning point when President Emmanuel Macron announced at the end of July 2024 France’s strong support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. In a letter addressed to King Mohammed VI, Macron emphasized that this plan “now constitutes the only basis for reaching a just, lasting, and negotiable political solution in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.” This firm French stance paved the way for enhanced trust and opened new avenues for cooperation.
Preparatory Milestones Ahead of the Royal Visit
To ensure the success of the royal visit, a number of intensive preparatory meetings and visits will be held to assess progress on bilateral dossiers. Key upcoming events include:
- The High Joint Committee: Scheduled to meet in the fall, this committee, chaired by the prime ministers of both countries, will discuss strategic cooperation files.
- The Joint Migration Group: Set to convene on June 25 in Paris.
- Visit of Moroccan Interior Minister: Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit is expected to visit Paris on July 7.
These meetings come within the framework of strengthening security cooperation, particularly regarding irregular migration. During his visit to Rabat in April, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau spoke of an agreement aimed at “improving cooperation” through the creation of a joint group tasked with “examining the Moroccan nationality or lack thereof” of a certain number of migrants in an irregular situation.
This diplomatic momentum reflects a shared desire to deepen the strategic partnership between Morocco and France, serving the interests of both countries and promoting stability and development in the region.
