France and Morocco signed agreements worth up to €10 billion on Monday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to Morocco, aimed at resetting relations between the two nations.
In Rabat, Macron and King Mohammed VI witnessed the signing of several deals, with further agreements expected on Tuesday covering energy and infrastructure projects. This visit follows years of strained ties, partly due to France’s previous stance on Western Sahara and visa restrictions.
The delegation included French ministers and business leaders, with French and Moroccan flags displayed prominently across Rabat. Key agreements included Alstom’s contract to supply 18 high-speed train cars and a renewables partnership between French energy company Engie and Morocco’s Phosphates Office, valued at €3.5 billion.
Another deal involved TotalEnergies, which plans to develop green hydrogen production in Morocco.
France and Morocco have been at odds in recent years, notably over France’s previously ambiguous position on Western Sahara and a 2021 move to halve visa numbers for Moroccans. However, Macron’s recent endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara has eased some tensions, aligning Paris closer to Rabat’s stance on the disputed territory.
The visit also highlights a widening rift between France and Algeria. After Algeria postponed several planned state visits and withdrew its ambassador following Macron’s endorsement of Morocco’s stance, it is unclear when Algeria and France will resume formal discussions.
