Fresh from his appointment as Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu has embarked on his first official overseas mission this week, prioritizing two key diplomatic destinations: Doha and Rabat. The unprecedented foreign tour underscores France’s commitment to strengthening strategic alliances in the Middle East and North Africa.

tribute to qatar’s former emir in doha

The Prime Minister arrived in Doha on Tuesday at the invitation of Qatari authorities, accompanied by former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The visit follows the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before voluntarily stepping down. The delegation presented formal condolences from the French government, reflecting the deep bilateral ties and mutual respect between the two nations.

In a statement, the Élysée Palace emphasized the late emir’s pivotal role in modernizing Qatar and establishing a dynamic, forward-thinking foreign policy. His leadership was credited with transforming the Gulf state into a regional hub for innovation, diplomacy, and economic growth.

high-level talks in Rabat to revive bilateral ties

Following his engagements in Qatar, Prime Minister Lecornu continued his journey to Morocco, landing in Rabat on Wednesday evening. The visit, scheduled to last until Thursday, marks a significant step in restoring high-level dialogue between France and Morocco, after years of diplomatic strain.

A delegation of over a dozen French ministers, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior, will join the Prime Minister for a series of structured meetings with Moroccan officials. The centerpiece of the visit is a bilateral summit with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch — the first such high-level meeting since 2019.

This diplomatic outreach comes amid an unprecedented thaw in relations, catalyzed by France’s recognition in 2024 of Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region — a move that drew sharp criticism from Algiers. President Macron subsequently received King Mohammed VI in Rabat for a three-day state visit, culminating in the signing of multiple bilateral agreements and a renewed commitment to strategic partnership.

The current visit is expected to lay the groundwork for an upcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, potentially culminating in the signing of a landmark treaty that would formalize a new era of “exceptional” Franco-Moroccan cooperation.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst