France resumes normal consular activity in Morocco- FM

France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said her country has resumed normal consular services with Morocco, a message that hints that the row over visa restrictions is over.

“It is done. From now on, French consular services have resumed their normal activity in Morocco,” said Colonna at a news conference with her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita in Rabat Friday.

A year ago, France had taken the unilateral decision to reduce by 50% the number of visas given to Moroccans over a row on the return of migrants. The decision was then described by Morocco as not reflective of the quality of consular cooperation between the two countries.

“The human capital between the two countries is an asset for both,” she said, adding that human exchanges will remain the backbone of Moroccan-French relations.

The French official added that her visit to Morocco was to prepare for a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to the country in the first quarter next year.

Morocco and France are bound by special ties that are set to be fostered at all levels, she said.