Macron to Address Moroccan Parliament, Set to Receive Order of Sovereignty from King Mohammed VI

Doha – French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are set to embark on a three-day state visit to Morocco from October 28-30, marking a significant step in rekindling ties between Paris and Rabat after years of diplomatic tensions.

The visit, which comes at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, is expected to feature a rigorous protocol and an extensive French delegation of nearly 150 people, including several ministers.

According to the Africa Intelligence outlet, the meticulously planned itinerary includes major diplomatic and ceremonial events.

Upon arrival on October 28, President Macron will participate in a welcome ceremony at the Mechouar Esplanade at the Royal Palace, followed by a private meeting with the Moroccan monarch, part of which will be a one-on-one discussion.

A highlight of the visit is set to be Macron’s speech to the Moroccan Parliament on October 29, which sources indicate will focus on the economic cooperation between the two nations.

The day will conclude with a grand state dinner at the Royal Palace in Rabat in honor of the French president.

Crown Prince Moulay Hassan is set to play a prominent role in the visit and will reportedly receive the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor from President Macron.

In return, King Mohammed VI is expected to decorate the French leader with the Order of Sovereignty (Al Wissam Al-Mohammadi).

The presidential couple, who will be staying at the kingdom’s “Palace of Guests,” will conclude their visit on October 30 with a meeting with the French community before being escorted by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch back to Paris.

This state visit, the first in several years, comes on the heels of France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara in July.

In a letter to King Mohammed VI, Macron stated that “the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” aligning France with the US position on the disputed territory.

The visit also follows a period of strained relations due to France’s reduction of visas for Maghreb citizens in 2021 – restrictions that were later lifted in December 2022 – and Macron’s efforts to reconcile with Algeria at the disapproval of Rabat.

In addition to the diplomatic agenda, the visit may yield significant military and business deals.

According to the French newsspaper La Tribune, France’s Airbus Helicopters is negotiating the sale of 12-18 Caracal helicopters to Morocco, a contract estimated at €600-800 million.

However, Morocco has reportedly chosen Brazil’s Embraer for its tactical transport aircraft needs.

Additionally, France’s Naval Group faces stiff competition from South Korean shipyards Hanwha and Hyundai for the sale of two submarines and the construction of a submarine base, with the Koreans potentially having an edge due to their lower prices and lithium-ion battery technology.

As the kingdom prepares to welcome Macron, the visit marks a crucial moment in strengthening Franco-Moroccan relations, with several bilateral and institutional agreements expected to be signed during the presidential stay.