A détente in relations between France and Morocco. Two days before the World Cup semifinal between the two nations, the head of French diplomacy announced the end of the restrictions on the granting of visas for Moroccans decided by Paris. “We have taken measures, with our Moroccan partners, to restore normal consular relations” in the area of migration, declared Catherine Colonna, during a joint press conference with her counterpart Nasser Bourita.
This cooperation has been effective since last Monday, he said. In support of the controversial measure, Paris had argued Morocco’s reluctance to readmit its nationals in an irregular situation in France. A measure denounced by Rabat, by humanitarian NGOs and by French-speaking Moroccan circles.
“Morocco has officially prohibited itself from commenting, out of respect, on a unilateral and sovereign decision (of France),” explained Nasser Bourita, about Paris’ decision to halve, since September, the entry permits granted to Moroccans.
A decision that “goes in the right direction” for Morocco
“Today, the decision is a unilateral decision that Morocco respects, and it will not officially comment, but it is going in the right direction,” added the head of Moroccan diplomacy.
Catherine Colonna, who came to prepare the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled “in the first quarter of 2023”, also stressed that France wants to “be in an exemplary partnership relationship with Morocco, an exceptional, fraternal and modern”.
He underlined the need to adapt to the “legitimate expectations” of Morocco, which is evolving and intends to play an important role in the Mediterranean and in Africa. It is about proposing to Morocco “what France, which has also changed profoundly, has for the best”, the minister also commented.
He invited us to “write a new page together, in a context in which France and Morocco need each other more than ever to guarantee their security, support their economic development (…) and meet the expectations of their youth and their societies “. .
The minister arrived in Rabat on Thursday night where she met with the king’s advisers. On Friday morning, before her interview with Mr. Bourita, Ms. Colonna went to the Mohammed-V Mausoleum, which houses the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.
Source: BFM TV
