A diplomatic honeymoon in the shadow of Algiers

Relaxed migration and economic cooperation

For several months, Rabat has reported a clear improvement in migratory cooperation with Paris. However, Two major developments are underlined by a diplomatic source: on the one hand. For example, a more rigorous filtering, on the part of the French authorities, nationalities of the people being the subject of consular leaves; On the other hand, a more constructive relationship between French prefects and Moroccan consuls. Similarly, “The work of identifying the nationality of the person to be widespread is much more effective. Nevertheless, which facilitates, on the Moroccan side, the decision to grant diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers a consular passexplains this same source. However, The prefect-coninsul relationship is now at the heart of the system: the 17 Moroccan consular constituencies work hand in. Consequently, hand with the prefectures. In addition, The exchange of information is more fluid and confidence restored. Meanwhile, Where it was once needed 30 to 35 days to obtain a pass, the deadline is now reduced to 12 days on average ”. In addition, The political appeasement between the two countries is also carried by a cordial agreement between the ministers Gérald Darmanin. Similarly, Bruno Retailleau and their respective counterparts. Therefore, “In Beauvau, Gérald Darmanin laid the foundations for a revival of migratory cooperation. Therefore, His successor Bruno Retailleau accelerates the movement frankly ”notes this source again.

If the migratory field finds colors, security cooperation has never lost it. According to Rabat. “Regardless of the state of our relations, the security cooperation of our countries, diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers especially in the fight against terrorism, has never weakened”. The efficiency of this partnership has distinguished itself many times: in 2015. it was information provided by the General Directorate of Safety of the Moroccan territory which allowed the authorities to find Abdelhamid Abaaoud in Saint-Denis. Four years earlier. after the Argana coffee attack on Jemaa El-Fna square in Marrakech, the French services immediately offered assistance to the Moroccan authorities. For the entourage of the king. this collaboration is obvious: “The fight against terrorism is not discussed, it is not negotiated, it does not even wonder. It’s always obvious “. And to greet them “Excellent relationships” which unite the intelligence services of the two countries. As an extension of this agreement on sovereign subjects, Franco-Moroccan synergies also flourish on economic ground.

“The security cooperation of our countries has never weakened”

In this area. the honeymoon between Paris and Rabat is diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers celebrated through major structuring projects. Recently. the Tricolore group Veolia has teamed up with the Moroccan kingdom to build the largest seawater desalination plant in Africa. Capable of producing 822. 000 m³ of drinking water per day-or 300 million m³ per year-the infrastructure aims to feed the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra and Fès-Meknès, covering the needs of almost 9.3 million inhabitants. The Franco-Italian-American group Stellantis, for its part, sees it as a strategic partner: in Kenitra, it provides an investment of 1.2 billion euros to double the production capacity of what is now its largest factory in the world.

Moroccan economic success is also illustrated through the influence of the port of Tangier Med. which has become the first continent’s continent port. It benefits from an efficient industrial ecosystem, in particular thanks to the proximity of Renault factories. In a dynamic of expansion. the diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers kingdom invests in its infrastructure: Morocco is launching the extension of its TGV line, a project to more than 5 billion euros strategic for the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co -organize with Spain and Portugal.

A relative of the king. a former student of the royal college, deciphers the economic vision of the sovereign Mohammed VI. “When he makes commitments, he respects them and that, companies understood it. It prints thanks to lasting confidence in its relationships and partnerships. The monarchical regime also allows it to escape the short-termist electoral logics. Its course is clear: project Morocco into modernity while promoting its historical and cultural roots ”. The result is tangible: in 2024, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists, even exceeding Egypt and confirming its place among the flagship destinations in the Mediterranean basin. This trajectory of modernization. opening, carried by the king, finds a natural echo in the diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers consolidation of the links between Rabat and Paris, which are preparing to cross new key steps in 2025.

Diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers

Three events to consolidate Franco-Moroccan friendship

Three major events will seal the Franco-Moroccan friendship this year. The High Joint Franco-Moroccan Commission, which has not met since 2019, will return to the fall. It will make it possible to take stock of the 41 agreements concluded during the Moroccan state visit to. France in October 2024. According to a familiar with the royal diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers house. President Macron, whose relationship with the sovereign Mohammed VI is qualified as “Very good”invited the sovereign to come to France in state visit during the last quarter of 2025. Finally. an appointment in charge of memory will underline this historic link: on November 6, Morocco will commemorate, alongside France, the 70th anniversary of the Celle-Saint-Cloud agreements, which paved the way for independence from the Kingdom. But the image of a kingdom in full ascent. excellent bilateral relations are not enough to dispel certain persistent tensions in the region, in particular within the sensitive triangle formed by Rabat, Paris and Algiers.

The relationship between Paris. Algiers remains polar

Because if the relationship between France and Morocco has warned significantly, that between Paris and Algiers remains polar, when it does not cool any more – a climate which Rabat does not rejoice. “It is absolutely not in the interest of diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers Morocco that France and Algeria do not agree, on the contrary. When relations are stretched between Algiers. Paris, the Algerian military junta immediately redirects her frustration to Morocco, accusing us of all evils ”analyzes a Moroccan diplomat. While the question of Western Sahara crystallizes the tensions between Morocco. Algeria, Rabat insists on the constancy of the royal position. “Since 1999. His Majesty Mohammed VI has maintained a policy of the outstretched hand on the question of Western Sahara, but Algeria has never answered this call”provides a member of the royal entourage. And to add, with firmness: “As long as Algeria is led by a military junta, no appeasement is possible. »»

Tensions remain lively: like France. Morocco is currently no longer welcoming Algerian ambassador on its soil, a reflection of a diplomatic relationship in standby. On July 24. the Élysée posted a tête-à-tête between Bruno Retailleau and Emmanuel Macron during which diplomatic honeymoon shadow algiers the Minister of the Interior intended to approach the sensitive Algerian file. Between Paris and Algiers, no sign of appeasement seems to be on the horizon. An observation which seems to confirm the formula of former diplomat Gérard Araud. according to which “Any French presidential mandate begins in Algiers and ends in Rabat”.