First indicator of improving Rabat-Paris ties after French elections

Five Moroccan ministers attended the French National Day function at the residence of ambassador Christophe Lecourtier in Rabat. The attendance was interpreted as a positive sign in the development of French-Moroccan ties following France’s snap elections.

Generally, only one or a few members of the Moroccan government attend national days held by different embassies in Rabat. But during the French National Day, Moroccan ministers of foreign affairs, education, industry, finance and solidarity all attended, standing on the stage.

French ambassador delivered a speech highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries.

“As the Kingdom prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, I have no doubt that France will be able to demonstrate, with the highest degree of clarity, the key importance of its relationship with Morocco and express its willingness to renew our historic commitment to it,” he said.

Morocco was expecting to host the French Moroccan high commission this month following a series of visits to Rabat by French ministers, however the event was put off by French snap election.

In public comments earlier this year, French ambassador said mending ties required Paris making its position clear on the Sahara.

After a diplomatic frost at a context of Macron’s Algeria tropism and activism by his party members against Morocco’s interests in the European parliament, relations started to improve with many observers predicting a French announcement of a clear position in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

A bracket was opened following visits by current foreign minister Stéphane Séjourné and other French ministers, during which France recognized Morocco’s economic sovereignty over the Sahara territory by expressing support for a power link between Casablanca and the Saharan city of Dakhla.