After several months of tension, relations between Morocco and France resumed this Friday, December 16. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat. The main announcement made at the end of this meeting: the end of the visa restrictions imposed by France for more than a year.
With our special correspondent in Rabat, Victor Mauriat
Catherine Colonna came in person to announce the end of this provision, because the measure had above all had the effect of provoking anger and misunderstanding among the most Francophile Moroccans in the country kingdom.
“ Know that we have taken measures with our Moroccan partners for the resumption of normal consular activity. And I add that it is done. “, told the press the head of French diplomacy.
Another announcement made by the minister: the arrival of Emmanuel Macron in the kingdom to meet King Mohammed VI, a visit which should complete the renewal of relations between the two countries, because several questions still remain unanswered, in particular the question of the Western Sahara on which Morocco expects an evolution from France. At a press conference, Nasser Bourita wanted to calm things down on this issue.
” France has always been a pioneer and the need for adaptation is perhaps there too on the table and must be examined. Morocco has never considered France’s position to be negative. On the contrary. “, declared the head of Moroccan diplomacy.
No date has yet been set for the visit of the French president, but the two ministers have agreed on the period of the first quarter of 2023.
Mr. Bourita: This visit is part of the preparation of the high-level meetings scheduled between the two countries during the first quarter of next year and attests to the importance that HM the King attaches to traditional relations and deep with France. pic.twitter.com/vxgO3hAIJS
— Morocco Diplomacy ?? (@MarocDiplomatie) December 16, 2022