Moroccan officials received French parliamentarians from Saturday to Monday, in order to discuss the ongoing visa restrictions imposed against Moroccan nationals, reports French media outlet RFI.
Morocco and France, historic allies and close partners, have had a quietly tumultuous year on the diplomatic front.
Due to some Moroccan nationals’ irregular status in France, and the latter’s claim that the Kingdom refuses to repatriate them, France decided since September last year to halve visas awarded to Moroccans.
This created ample anger among citizens, as some had to miss important events due to their visas being “unjustifiably“ refused.
To make matters worse, France’s decision to maintain its traditional, neutral position on the Western Sahara issue, at a time where Morocco demands firm support for its territorial integrity, has made relations more tense.
Paris and Rabat respectively recalled their ambassadors, pending the appointment of new officials. This recent visit could intake that both countries are moving towards a resolution to the silent crisis.
RFI said that it was nevertheless able to confirm a call between King Mohamed VI and Emmanuel Macron, which took place on 1 November, a half-hour discussion with the aim of preparing a visit by the French President to Morocco for early 2023.
The Elysee Presidential Palace had previously confirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron was planning to visit Morocco in October, but no meeting had taken place until now.
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