France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrives in Morocco on July 16 to lead a high-level delegation of 13 cabinet ministers. The visit will culminate in the 15th joint high-level meeting between the two nations, featuring bilateral talks and the signing of around 15 cooperation agreements.
The 15th Franco-Moroccan High-Level Meeting (RHN) is set for July 16 in Morocco, led by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu at the head of a 13-member ministerial delegation. This milestone gathering—part of an annual dialogue series since 1997—marks the first such session in the country since late 2019. It follows the recent renewal of bilateral ties under the “enhanced exceptional partnership” framework agreed in October 2024.
The day opens with direct talks between the two heads of government, followed by sectoral discussions involving corresponding ministers. Key focus areas include infrastructure, energy, defense, culture, and education, reflecting the evolving priorities of both nations.
The plenary session, co-chaired by both Prime Ministers, will see joint presentations on bilateral progress and shared strategic goals. The event concludes with a joint press conference and a working lunch hosted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, chaired by the Moroccan head of government.
15 agreements spanning critical sectors
A total of 15 agreements are expected to be signed across priority areas such as decentralized cooperation, rail infrastructure—including plans for a new regional express network (RER) in Rabat, water management, and development initiatives in the Casablanca-Settat region. The aviation, cultural, and educational sectors will also see enhanced collaboration.
Energy cooperation remains a central theme, with discussions on potential electrical interconnection between Morocco and France. This builds on the strategic energy partnership signed during the French President’s state visit in October 2024, emphasizing connectivity and green transition.
Defense collaboration is set to deepen, particularly in armaments and defense industries, to explore new partnership opportunities. Cultural exchange will expand through artist-in-residence programs, film and audiovisual collaborations, and a strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute and Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
A diverse delegation of 13 French officials
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will be joined by a cross-government delegation including Laurent Nunez (Interior Minister), Catherine Vautrin (Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs), Roland Lescure (Economy, Finance and Industrial Sovereignty), Jean-Noël Barrot (Europe and Foreign Affairs), Catherine Pégard (Culture), Philippe Tabarot (Transport), and Anne Le Hénanff (AI and Digital Affairs).
The delegation also includes Senator Christian Cambon, Chair of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the Senate, and MP Karim Ben Cheikh, both set to meet with leaders of Morocco’s parliamentary chambers. A solemn tribute at the Mohammed V Mausoleum is also scheduled, honoring the founders of modern Morocco.
This high-level meeting comes between two landmark state visits—the French President’s visit to Rabat in October 2024 and the upcoming return visit by King Mohammed VI to France. Its outcomes are expected to shape the next phase of bilateral cooperation, including negotiations on a future treaty.
