Building on recent diplomatic momentum, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded a landmark two-day visit to Rabat on Thursday, marking a decisive step toward elevating bilateral relations to unprecedented heights.
Sébastien Lecornu greeted by Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch upon landing in Rabat
The official visit, described by both sides as a “game-changing” moment, followed France’s formal recognition in 2024 of Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara—a move that reshaped regional dynamics and strained relations with Algeria. The thaw in ties culminated in President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in late 2024, where a groundbreaking “exceptional enhanced partnership” was inked, accompanied by multi-billion-dollar trade deals.
Lecornu’s agenda in Rabat focused on consolidating security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and economic integration—particularly in critical sectors like infrastructure and defense. His delegation, including key ministers such as Jean-Noël Barrot (Foreign Affairs) and Laurent Nunez (Interior), underscored the strategic importance Paris now places on Rabat in North Africa.
Security and sovereignty at the forefront
During a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Royal Mausoleum—honoring former monarchs Mohammed V and Hassan II—Lecornu and Moroccan government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas reaffirmed their shared vision for regional stability. The visit marked the first meeting of the High-Level Dialogue Forum since 2019, a bilateral mechanism designed to synchronize policies on security, migration, and economic development.
With jihadist threats intensifying across the Sahel, both nations emphasized converging interests in combating extremism. Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Prime Minister, called for expedited implementation of prior commitments while hinting at future milestones, including a potential state visit by King Mohammed VI to France and the negotiation of an unprecedented “treaty of friendship.”
Economic and defense collaborations take center stage
Diplomatic sources revealed that over a dozen agreements are slated for signing during the visit, spanning sectors from transportation to defense. Highlights include plans for a new Regional Express Rail (RER) network in Rabat and joint ventures in arms manufacturing. The two governments also pledged to deepen collaboration on migration management and cultural exchanges.
Despite lingering controversies—including allegations of Moroccan espionage using the Pegasus software, which Rabat has consistently denied—both sides downplayed the issue. French officials declined to comment on recent investigative reports, while Moroccan authorities reiterated their commitment to fostering trust with Paris.
As France shifts its diplomatic focus away from Algeria toward Morocco, Rabat has emerged as Paris’s key partner in the Maghreb. The visit concluded with a joint pledge to “scale up” cooperation, signaling a new chapter in Franco-Moroccan relations—one defined by strategic alignment and mutual ambition.