French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrives in Morocco tomorrow for an official visit, leading a high-powered delegation of 12 ministers. The main highlight of the two-day trip is the 15th edition of the High-Level Joint Commission (HLJC), a flagship forum for France-Morocco dialogue since its launch in 1997.
Strategic partnership renewal on the agenda
The HLJC follows nearly two years of intensified efforts to revitalise France-Morocco relations. The meeting comes after the last session held in Paris in December 2019 and will address progress on the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership agreement signed in October 2024.
Bilateral discussions between the two prime ministers will set the tone for the day, followed by sector-specific meetings where French and Moroccan officials will review ongoing cooperation under the reinforced framework. The plenary session, co-chaired by both heads of government, will see each ministerial pair present actionable outcomes and shared priorities for the coming years.
Wrapping up the high-level talks, the foreign affairs ministers will deliver a joint statement before the signing of approximately 15 bilateral agreements across key sectors. A joint press conference is scheduled, culminating in a luncheon hosted by King Mohammed VI.
Key agreement areas
The forthcoming accords span a wide range of priorities:
- Transport infrastructure: Launch of a new Regional Express Railway (RER) line project in Rabat
- Water management: Joint initiatives for sustainable water resource development
- Regional development: Focus on boosting Casablanca-Settat’s economic potential
- Aviation: Enhanced collaboration in civil aviation safety and expansion
- Culture: New artistic residency programs, film and audiovisual exchanges, and a strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute and Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- Energy: Advancement on potential electricity interconnection projects between the two countries, aligning with the October 2024 strategic energy cooperation agreement
- Defence: Strengthening dialogue on armament and defence industry opportunities
- Digital transformation: Initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty
Delegation profile and diplomatic engagements
The French delegation includes Laurent Nunez (Interior Minister), Catherine Vautrin (Armed Forces and Veterans Minister), Roland Lescure (Economy and Finance Minister), Jean-Noël Barrot (Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister), Catherine Pégard (Culture Minister), Philippe Tabarot (Transport Minister), and Anne Le Hénanff (AI and Digital Sovereignty Minister).
Senator Christian Cambon, Chair of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the Senate, and MP Karim Ben Cheikh will also participate, with planned meetings in both chambers of the Moroccan Parliament.
In a gesture of respect, the delegation will pay homage at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, laying a wreath in tribute to the architects of modern Morocco.
This 15th HLJC falls between two state visits: French President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Rabat in October 2024 and the upcoming return visit by King Mohammed VI to France. The discussions aim to lay the groundwork for a future bilateral treaty, further solidifying the partnership’s strategic direction.