Macron admits to crisis with Morocco, says he is determined to patch up strained relations with African nations

Macron admits to crisis with Morocco, says he is determined to patch up strained relations with African nations
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Monday 27 February 2023 - 19:50

In a bid to strengthen France’s relationship with Algeria and Morocco, French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that he is determined to forge ahead and move away from the current controversies that have engulfed the bilateral relations between these countries.

Speaking at a press conference on his Africa strategy, Macron stated, “We will move forward. The stage is not the best, but this will not stop me.”

Tensions multiplied between Morocco and France due to different factors, including Macron’s skeptical stance on Morocco’s autonomy plan, and a 50% reduction of visa granting to Moroccan citizens.

Paris said it wants to relax its policy on visas, in an effort to warm up bilateral relations.

The crisis between France and Morocco became evident after Ambassador Hélène Le Gall left the French embassy in Rabat in September 2020, and Mohamed Benchaaboun, the Moroccan ambassador to Paris was appointed as general manager of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund. The French ambasador to Morocco was later replaced.

Colonna’s visit comes hours after King Mohammed VI spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron to congratulate him on the qualification of his national team to the finals of the World Cup.

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