Gérard Larcher’s historic Morocco visit: France’s first parliamentary trip to Laayoune

Sunday 23 February 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Gérard Larcher’s historic Morocco visit: France’s first parliamentary trip to Laayoune

The French Senate confirmed yesterday that its president, Gérard Larcher, will embark on an official visit to Morocco from February 23 to 26, marking a significant milestone in Franco-Moroccan relations. This visit includes a groundbreaking stop in Laayoune, making it France’s first parliamentary delegation to visit the city since its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

The visit, which coincides with a period of renewed diplomatic momentum between the two nations, highlights the strengthening ties and strategic cooperation on multiple fronts. Earlier this week, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati completed a three-day trip to Morocco, during which she signed ten cultural cooperation agreements and toured Rabat, Tarfaya, Laayoune, and Dakhla. Meanwhile, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch inaugurated Morocco’s 476-square-meter pavilion at the Paris International Agricultural Show, where Morocco was honored as the first foreign guest of the event.

Larcher will lead a high-ranking delegation comprising key figures from the French Senate, including Christian Cambon, President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group; Cédric Perrin, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee; and Vice-presidents Hervé Marseille and Corinne Féret. This visit underscores the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering bilateral relations.

The official program begins Sunday afternoon with Larcher’s arrival at Rabat-Salé Airport, where he will be welcomed by Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of Morocco’s Chamber of Counselors. Further details about the itinerary are expected to reflect the deepening collaboration between the two nations across cultural, political, and economic domains.