Both France and Morocco now express a common desire to strengthen their multidimensional ties, reflecting the depth of their established partnership.

Macron's visit is seen as a crucial opportunity to move past previous diplomatic tensions and reinforce cooperation between the two nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a state visit to Morocco from October 28 to 30, marking a significant step in rejuvenating bilateral relations after three years of tension.

This visit is viewed as a positive sign of improving relations between France and Morocco, particularly following a period of diplomatic strain.

Macron's upcoming trip will be his first to Morocco since November 2018 and comes after an invitation from Moroccan King Mohammed VI, who described the visit as an opportunity for a 'renewed and ambitious vision' across strategic sectors.

Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent years, particularly due to France's visa restrictions on Maghreb nationals imposed in late 2021, which were lifted in December 2022.

Tensions have also stemmed from France's ambiguous stance on the Western Sahara region, a territory claimed by Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

Macron's recent endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara is aimed at resolving the long-standing territorial dispute with the Polisario Front.

This shift in France's diplomatic stance has been welcomed by Morocco, especially after Macron stated that the future of Western Sahara should align with Moroccan sovereignty.

However, this change has angered Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front, leading to the withdrawal of its ambassador from Paris.

The ongoing conflict in Western Sahara remains unresolved despite UN oversight, with Morocco advocating for an autonomy plan and the Polisario Front demanding a referendum for self-determination.

The United States recognized Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara in 2020 as part of a normalization deal with Israel, further complicating the regional dynamics.