Morocco and France return to a “normal” consular relationship

Audio 01:02

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita (right) receives his French counterpart Catherine Colonna in Rabat, December 16, 2022. AFP - FADEL SENNA

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

After several months of tension, relations between Morocco and France resumed this Friday, December 16.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat.

The main announcement made at the end of this meeting: the end of the visa restrictions imposed by France for more than a year.

Advertising

Read more

With our special correspondent in Rabat

,

Catherine Colonna came in person to announce the end of this provision, because the measure had above all had the effect of provoking anger and misunderstanding among the most Francophile Moroccans in the country kingdom. 

“

“, told the press the head of French diplomacy.  

Another announcement made by the minister: the arrival of Emmanuel Macron in the kingdom to meet King Mohammed VI, a visit which should complete the renewal of relations between the two countries, because several questions still remain unanswered, in particular the question of the Western Sahara on which Morocco expects an evolution from France.

At a press conference, Nasser Bourita wanted to calm things down on this issue. 

“ 

.

On the contrary.

“, declared the head of Moroccan diplomacy.   

No date has yet been set for the visit of the French president, but the two ministers have agreed on the period of the first quarter of 2023.

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

• France

• Morocco

• Diplomacy