Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is reviled by angry protesters in his own country, has been on an official visit to the Arab Maghreb countries since June 3. The visit included Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

These last few days have been marked by new rallies and violent acts in Turkey — despite the excuses made by the government — and the incensed demonstrators continue to demand that Erdogan be toppled, criticizing his authoritarian tendencies and willingness to "Islamize" the secular nation. Turkish unions also joined the ranks of protesters, demanding the outright departure of the head of the conservative Islamist party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

In this somewhat tumultuous context, marked by the deterioration of the political and social situation, Erdogan embarked on his visit. He is heading a delegation of more than 200 businessmen, so as to extend his influence to the Maghreb region, which remains one of the main hubs of Turkey's interests.

The first stop was Morocco, where Erdogan was welcomed in Rabat by the head of government, Abdelillah Benkirane. Accompanied by an important delegation of ministers and businessmen, he did not seem to have succeeded in his North African tour. Erdogan, who has been roundly criticized by Istanbul's citizens for being "authoritarian," received his first "cold welcome" in the kingdom.