Morocco and France sign EUR10 billion during Macron visit

France and Morocco signed agreements worth up to €10 billion Monday during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Morocco aimed at mending strained ties, AFP reports. Key deals included French company Alstom supplying up to 18 high-speed train cars and a renewable energy agreement between the French company Engie and Morocco’s Phosphates Office, potentially worth €3.5 billion. TotalEnergies also signed a pact to develop green hydrogen production in Morocco.

Macron’s visit follows years of diplomatic tension, particularly over the Western Sahara conflict. France’s recent expression of support of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara marked a diplomatic shift, easing some of the tension.

In contrast, France’s attempted rapprochement with Algeria has stalled. Algiers withdrew its ambassador following Macron's endorsement of Morocco's plan. A state visit by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was rescheduled multiple times before being called off by Algiers earlier this month.