Morocco has now taken center stage in French diplomacy in the Maghreb, with Paris shifting its focus away from maintaining a delicate balance in the region.
This shift is highlighted as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu embarks on a two-day official visit to Morocco on July 15 and 16, marking his first international trip since assuming office. Accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Lecornu will hold bilateral talks with his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch, followed by a joint press conference.
The agenda includes a working lunch and a high-level meeting between French and Moroccan officials at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit will also feature a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mohammed V Mausoleum, paying tribute to a key figure in Morocco’s history.
During a recent Senate session in Paris, Lecornu praised the exceptional level of police and judicial cooperation with Morocco. “I commend the outstanding police and judicial cooperation with Morocco, as well as the strength of our partnership with our Moroccan allies,” he stated, responding to questions about foreign policy priorities.
He also welcomed a delegation of Moroccan lawmakers invited by Senator Christian Cambon, chair of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the Senate. The delegation, led by Mohamed Zidouh, president of the Morocco-France Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Councillors, met with French MEPs François-Xavier Bellamy, Pierre Jouvet, and Fabienne Keller. Bellamy emphasized the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between Morocco and France, calling the Kingdom an example of openness, dynamism, and progress.
He also highlighted Morocco’s comprehensive development initiatives, urging the European Union to recognize the country’s commitment as a serious, credible partner. On the issue of territorial integrity, Bellamy reiterated France’s stance on recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, aligning with international law.
Pierre Jouvet, for his part, described Morocco as an essential geopolitical partner for both France and Europe, stressing the need to strengthen ties and preserve the achievements of their long-standing partnership.