In a significant renewal of diplomatic and economic ties, Morocco has agreed to purchase high-speed trains from French company Alstom, marking one of several high-profile deals signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the North African kingdom on Monday. Macron’s visit, accompanied by a substantial delegation of ministers and business executives, signals a fresh chapter in the relationship between Paris and Rabat after years of diplomatic tension.
King Mohammed VI extended a rare honor by personally greeting Macron and his wife Brigitte at the airport before the two leaders presided over a series of contract signings at the royal palace. The tensions that once strained relations—centered on immigration policies and France’s stance on Western Sahara—began to ease in July, when Macron officially backed Morocco’s claim over the disputed territory, a move seen as instrumental in the diplomatic thaw.
Among the deals, Morocco’s national rail operator, ONCF, formalized an agreement to purchase 12 high-speed trains from Alstom, with an option for six more, as part of the country’s ambitious plans to expand its high-speed rail network to Marrakech by 2030. France’s Engie and EDF also inked agreements to expand their renewable energy ventures in Morocco, and TotalEnergies signed a partnership focused on hydrogen development, signaling Morocco’s growing emphasis on green energy. French shipping giant CMA CGM further announced investments in a Moroccan port terminal.
In total, the contracts are valued at over 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion), according to French officials, though details of the specific financial breakdown were not disclosed.
Macron’s visit is also aimed at addressing the thorny issue of immigration, which has fueled political debates within France. In 2021, France restricted visas for Moroccan citizens to pressure the kingdom to accept more repatriated migrants, a policy that strained diplomatic ties until France lifted the restrictions in 2022.
With these new agreements, France and Morocco look to not only deepen their economic partnership but also strengthen diplomatic cooperation, underscoring the mutual benefits of a reconciled relationship as both nations advance shared economic and strategic goals.
