French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is set to begin an official visit to Morocco on Monday, October 28, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI. This visit will feature diplomatic meetings, cultural exchanges, and initiatives in fields ranging from economic partnerships to creative industries. Here is a detailed itinerary of the presidential visit:
Day 1: monday, october 28 – welcoming ceremony and diplomatic engagements
- 5:30 PM: President Macron and his wife Brigitte will arrive at the Royal Palace in Rabat’s Mechouar Square, where they will receive an official welcome.
- 6:45 PM: Macron will hold a private, hour-long discussion with King Mohammed VI at the Royal Palace.
- 8:00 PM: The leaders will attend a formal signing ceremony for new agreements between France and Morocco at the residence for royal guests.
Day 2: tuesday, october 29 – government meetings, parliament address, and cultural engagement
- 9:30 AM: Macron will meet Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch at the royal guest residence, followed by discussions with Rachid Talbi El Alami and Mohamed Ould Errachid, the presidents of Morocco’s parliamentary chambers.
- 10:15 AM: Macron and Brigitte will visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, joined by Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Governor Mohamed Yacoubi, to pay respects.
- 11:10 AM: Macron will address the Moroccan Parliament, speaking to both chambers about the future of Franco-Moroccan relations.
- 12:30 PM: Macron will attend a lunch with a French-Moroccan cultural delegation, showcasing France and Morocco’s shared cultural heritage.
- 2:45 PM: The day continues with the close of the Morocco-France business summit on strategic sectors at the Rabat International University auditorium.
- 4:00 PM: Macron will join a gaming industry session alongside French and Moroccan creative professionals, highlighting this booming sector.
- 8:30 PM: King Mohammed VI will host a state dinner honoring President Macron and the First Lady, an opportunity for diplomatic and cultural exchange.
Day 3: wednesday, october 30 – agricultural innovation and closing remarks
- morning visit: Macron will visit the OCP Foundation to engage with Moroccan and African students in a discussion on food security and sustainable agriculture in Africa.
- 12:45 PM: Macron will deliver a concluding speech at the gardens of the French residence, highlighting key themes from the visit and the future of Franco-Moroccan partnerships.
Macron’s delegation: a diverse assembly from government, industry, and culture
President Macron’s delegation will encompass a range of influential figures, divided into categories that reflect France’s commitment to a multifaceted partnership with Morocco.
Official delegation
The official delegation includes high-ranking ministers, such as Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, Education Minister Anne Genetet, and Economy and Finance Minister Antoine Armand, covering sectors from education and foreign affairs to environmental policy and agriculture.
Parliamentary and former officials
Several members of Parliament, including Naïma Moutchou and Bruno Fuchs, are invited alongside former ministers and public figures such as Hubert Vedrine and Rachida Dati, reflecting France’s sustained political connection to Morocco.
Key institutional figures
Representatives from major institutions like Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and Rémy Rioux, CEO of the French Development Agency (AFD), signal collaboration in areas of education, heritage preservation, and sustainable development.
Economic and industrial leaders
Top French business leaders, including Estelle Brachlianoff of Veolia and Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies, will focus on enhancing bilateral trade, investment in renewable energy, and fostering Franco-Moroccan cooperation across multiple industries.
Cultural and creative sector figures
Notable artists and intellectuals such as writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, filmmaker Nabil Ayouch, and musician Jamel Debbouze are part of the delegation, underlining the importance of cultural ties in the Franco-Moroccan relationship.
Social, scientific, and athletic representatives
Representatives from the social sector include Jean-Marc Borello, founder of the SOS Group, while scientific figures such as XP School Director Sébastien Leveque emphasize educational partnerships. Athletes like Teddy Riner round out the delegation, symbolizing the value placed on sports diplomacy.
