French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a state visit to Morocco from October 28 to 30, aiming to rejuvenate bilateral relations that have faced strain in recent years.

This visit follows an invitation from Moroccan King Mohammed VI and is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the deep partnership between the two nations.

The United States recognized Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara in 2020 as part of a normalization deal with Israel, a move that has influenced regional dynamics.

Macron's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara has caused tensions with Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front and recently withdrew its ambassador from Paris.

In July 2023, Macron stated that Morocco's autonomy plan is the 'only basis' for resolving the conflict, marking a significant shift in France's diplomatic stance.

The visit comes after France's recent support for Morocco's autonomy plan, which is intended to ease tensions and foster stronger ties.

Strained relations were also exacerbated by France's visa restrictions imposed on Maghreb nationals in 2021, which were lifted in December 2022.

Macron's upcoming trip will be his second to Morocco since 2018 and is expected to focus on strategic sectors, reflecting a renewed vision for cooperation.

During the visit, Macron is likely to discuss economic cooperation, including French projects in Western Sahara, such as a water desalination plant and a wind farm.

Relations between France and Morocco have been complicated by France's ambiguous stance on Western Sahara, which is primarily controlled by Morocco but claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

Tensions have been further inflamed by the European Parliament's condemnation of Morocco's press freedom issues, with some attributing blame to France.

The ongoing conflict over Western Sahara remains unresolved, with Morocco rejecting any referendum option that includes independence for the region.