The French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, arrived in Rabat on July 15 for a two-day official visit, during which several agreements are set to be signed. The trip also paves the way for a future official visit by King Mohammed VI to France.

A dozen ministers, including Jean-Noël Barrot, Foreign Minister, and Laurent Nuñez, Interior Minister, accompanied Lecornu to finalize deals spanning economics, justice, and defense. “Regional security remains an absolute priority for both Paris and Rabat,” observers noted, as instability across the Sahel and rising terrorism risks dominate discussions.

This diplomatic engagement marks Lecornu’s first foreign trip since taking office—just a day after he traveled to Qatar to convey France’s condolences following the passing of former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The visit carries added significance as it follows a period of strained relations between the two nations in 2021 and 2022, underscoring efforts to rebuild mutual trust.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst