French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on Wednesday for an official visit aimed at elevating bilateral relations to a new level. His two-day stay follows a period of strained ties, now replaced by renewed cooperation under the leadership of Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI.
The visit comes after Macron’s historic recognition in 2024 of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that strained relations with Algeria. This gesture marked the end of three years of diplomatic tension, including disputes over espionage allegations and visa restrictions. The October 2024 state visit to Rabat resulted in groundbreaking agreements and the establishment of an “exceptional strengthened partnership.”
Strengthening cooperation amid security concerns
Upon landing at Rabat-Salé Airport, Lecornu was greeted with military honors before proceeding to the Royal Mausoleum to pay respects to the tombs of King Mohammed V and Hassan II. His delegation included key ministers such as Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Laurent Nunez, underscoring the significance of the visit.
During the 15th “High-Level Meeting” between the two nations—an institution dormant since 2019—Lecornu emphasized the need to “change the scale” of collaboration, particularly in security and counterterrorism. Both countries share converging interests in Africa, especially in combating jihadist threats across the Sahel.
“France aims to serve as an anchor port for Morocco’s relationship with the European Union,” Lecornu stated, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership. His Moroccan counterpart, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, reiterated the urgency of implementing the 2024 partnership commitments and preparing for future initiatives.
New agreements and future prospects
Morocco has since become France’s top diplomatic priority in the Maghreb, with Paris shifting its focus away from maintaining a precarious balance with Algiers. On security, France is increasingly relying on Morocco, while Algeria remains reluctant to share intelligence despite the resumption of Franco-Algerian cooperation.
Among the 15 agreements expected to be signed are projects spanning economic, security, migration, and defense sectors. Key initiatives include a regional express rail network in Rabat and potential arms industry partnerships. Cultural exchanges are also on the agenda, reflecting the depth of the evolving relationship.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced about Morocco’s alleged use of the Pegasus spyware to target French officials, including the president and Lecornu himself. While Rabat has consistently denied these claims as baseless, French officials declined to comment on the renewed allegations during the visit.
Lecornu’s visit culminates in a potential future state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris and the negotiation of an unprecedented friendship treaty, though no dates have been confirmed. The timing underscores France’s strategic pivot toward Rabat in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
