French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Morocco on Monday, where he was warmly received by King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. During his visit, Macron engaged in discussions with Moroccan leaders, covering topics such as trade, climate change, immigration, and geopolitics. Macron also addressed Morocco’s Parliament, reaffirming France’s support for Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara, a shift that has strengthened French-Moroccan relations but created tension with Algeria, which supports the pro-independence Polisario Front.

France remains Morocco’s largest trading partner and top investor in Africa. Morocco is home to one of the largest foreign-born communities in France, forming a significant political constituency in French politics.

Macron and King Mohammed VI presided over the signing of 22 new agreements in Rabat. The accords span various sectors, including rail infrastructure, green energy, civil protection, education, and cultural exchange. Key partnerships include a high-speed rail initiative with ONCF and Alstom, an energy project with TotalEnergies, an aircraft maintenance center by Safran, and joint efforts in innovation and research.

Macron’s visit underscores France’s intent to deepen its ties with Morocco, especially as relationships with other African nations in the Sahel region face strain.