On the second day of his visit to Morocco, Emmanuel Macron spoke at midday on Tuesday, October 29, at the Moroccan Parliament. In his speech, the French President expressed his desire to sign a new “strategic framework” with Morocco during King Mohammed VI’s upcoming state visit to France in 2025, and provided assurances on the “existential” issue of Western Sahara.
This was the topic on which Emmanuel Macron’s words were most anticipated. He addressed it towards the end of his 45-minute speech. In the symbolic venue of the Moroccan Parliament, he reiterated what he had written in his letter to King Mohammed VI on July 30: “The present and future of Western Sahara are part of Moroccan sovereignty,” according to our special correspondent in Rabat, Valรฉrie Gas.
These words received a standing ovation from Moroccan parliamentarians. Emmanuel Macron also committed to advocating this position in international forums and to contributing to the development of this territory “through investments, sustainable and solidarity initiatives for the benefit of local populations,” he stated.
This was his way of making tangible his desire to write a “new book” with Morocco, in his own words, to offer prosperity and security to the peoples of both countries.
Blank Economic Pages to Fill
In this new book that Emmanuel Macron and Mohammed VI have decided to write together for the next 25 years, one of the main chapters is dedicated to the economy. On this Tuesday, October 29, speaking to French and Moroccan business leaders, Emmanuel Macron emotionally encouraged them to fill “the pages that are still blank.”
These pages primarily involve promising sectors capable of anchoring the enhanced partnership between France and Morocco in the future: the ecological and energy transition โ Morocco has significant potential for renewable energy, as well as the water sector.
The Water Route and the major desalination project are two revolutions underway in the country, according to the President of the Republic. On the same day, an important agreement to exclusively develop a seawater desalination project was signed between the French company Veolia and Morocco.
Enhanced Consular Cooperation
The French President hopes that Morocco can serve as a platform towards the Sahel countries, with which France’s relations are strained, but whose stability remains a significant concern for the French state.
He also advocated for “development projects for the youth,” which “will not only ensure stability but also end the trafficking routes and poverty paths that, from the Gulf of Guinea to Libya, afflict both the African and European continents.”
Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the need for smooth consular cooperation. Paris expects more collaboration from Rabat in providing the necessary documents for the return of Moroccans under an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF). For the head of state, this is a matter of mutual trust.