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Rabat – The Minister Delegate to the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness, and French Nationals Abroad Olivier Becht called for “overcoming the tensions” between France and Morocco.
The French minister made the remarks during an official visit to Morocco this week, noting that the two countries “must write a new page” amid their tensions which are mainly fueled by restrictions on Schengen visas issued to Moroccans.
The French minister’s visit to Morocco comes to “strengthen the bilateral economic partnership between companies,” according to a statement from the French ministry. It also intends to strengthen France’s trade partnerships with Morocco, which is “a long-standing economic partner, of which France is the first customer and supplier.”
During the trip, the minister met with the Minister Delegate for Investment Mohcine Jazouli, and Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour on October 18 in Casablanca to discuss ways to improve the two countries’ business cooperation.
“We can undoubtedly integrate Morocco more into the hexagonal value chains and take better advantage of our geographical, linguistic, and cultural proximity,” Becht said in an interview with Moroccan news outlet L’Economiste.
Read also: France’s Minister Delegate of Foreign Trade Visits Morocco Amid Tensions
Becht’s visit to Morocco comes as the two countries’ visa dispute continues to contribute to political strain.
The decision to cut visas granted to Moroccan citizens came after the French government claimed that Morocco was “unwilling” to assist in the extradition of Moroccans residing illegally in France.
Responding to the latter, Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourira described France’s decision as “unjustified,” arguing that Morocco “has always dealt with the issue of migration and the movement of individuals with great responsibility and balance.”
The measure is not only affecting Moroccan visa applicants but could also impact Morocco’s foreign exports as it “toughens the procedures for obtaining visas for Moroccan drivers,” who are responsible for providing transport to Europe, the Moroccan Association of Exporters (ASMEX) pointed out.
