French President Emmanuel Macron begins an official visit to Morocco today, Monday, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, and a high-level delegation of nine ministers and over 40 officials from various sectors. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between Paris and Rabat, close the chapter of past disagreements, and start a new page in relations between the two countries.
According to official French sources, the ministerial delegation accompanying Macron includes Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior, who is expected to discuss security cooperation, crime prevention, and migration with his Moroccan counterpart. Additionally, Anne Genetet, the Minister of National Education, will seek to enhance educational partnerships between the two countries through academic exchange programs and curriculum development.
Also part of the delegation is Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, who is expected to address a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest to Morocco and France, alongside Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture, who is anticipated to work with her Moroccan counterpart to activate joint cultural initiatives that strengthen cultural ties between the two peoples.
Sebastien Lecornu, the Minister of Defense, is also present, with plans to discuss strengthening military cooperation between the two countries, especially about regional security challenges, and the potential signing of new arms agreements for Morocco to acquire French weaponry.
Antoine Armand, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, will also join the delegation to explore opportunities for trade and investment cooperation, particularly in the sectors of manufacturing and energy, with a focus on increasing trade volumes between Paris and Rabat and discussing infrastructure-related projects.
The ministerial delegation also includes Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Forestry Minister Anne Genevard, who is expected to focus on advancing agricultural and agrotechnology cooperation, especially regarding food security between Morocco and France.
Patrick Hetzel, Minister of Higher Education and Research, is participating in the delegation to strengthen scientific and research partnerships between Moroccan and French universities, along with Olga Givernet, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate, and Risk Prevention, focusing on energy.
This visit is anticipated to broaden strategic cooperation areas between Morocco and France, especially given the high-level composition of this delegation, reflecting the importance France places on its relationship with Morocco. This follows France's recent support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, signaling Paris' desire to move past disagreements with Rabat and start a new chapter in bilateral relations.
