clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

French president’s visit to Morocco a private affair

June 14, 2017 at 1:01 pm

French President Emmanuel Macron makes a speech after winning the 2017 French election at the Esplanade du Louvre in Paris, France on 7 May, 2017 [Mustafa Yalçın/Anadolu Agency]

The visit to Morocco by newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron will be a private affair aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship with King Mohammed VI, an official statement has confirmed. The two day visit beginning today will be within a “personal and family framework,” a diplomat told reporters at the Elysée Palace.

This is an opportunity for the two heads of state to forge a personal relation of trust.

“Moroccan-French relations will be boosted at all levels during the upcoming visit by Macron to Morocco,” the diplomat explained, stressing the strong will of the new French president to “maintain an exceptional partnership with Morocco.”

Macron’s first visit to the Maghreb area, and the second to an African country following his trip to Mali, will see King Mohammed VI host a family dinner in honour of his guests.

The private character of the visit will also reportedly bridge the two leaders’ points of view concerning a range of issues, notably all aspects of bilateral ties as well as the joint development projects launched by Morocco and France in Africa.

The situation in Libya and counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel are equally expected to be examined by the two leaders, along with Morocco’s experience in countering extremism. In addition, the Western Sahara issue and relations with Algeria will be discussed, something upon which France’s position is unlikely to change.

Read: Morocco accuses Polisario of increasing tension on the border

Image of indigenous Sahrawi people in Tindouf, Algeria on 3 June, 2016 [Reuters/Ramzi Boudina]

Image of indigenous Sahrawi people in Tindouf, Algeria on 3 June, 2016 [Reuters/Ramzi Boudina]