French Prime Minister Lecornu arrives in Rabat to strengthen France-Morocco ties

Rabat — France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu landed in Rabat on Wednesday evening for a two-day official visit aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between France and Morocco. The high-level delegation, including twelve ministers, is expected to sign multiple agreements across key sectors, including the economy, security, energy, and culture.

Strengthening bilateral relations in key sectors

Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Prime Minister, welcomed Sébastien Lecornu as the French leader arrived in the capital. The visit follows a thaw in relations between Paris and Rabat, marked by France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting before co-chairing the 15th edition of the High-Level Franco-Moroccan Meeting, a high-level dialogue framework that has not convened since 2019.

Over a dozen agreements on the agenda

Among the highlights of this visit are the expected signing of around fifteen agreements. These cover critical areas such as civil aviation, infrastructure, water management, electrical interconnection, defense, and cultural exchanges. A strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute in Paris and Morocco’s Ministry of Culture is also set to be formalized. Additionally, the visit may pave the way for an upcoming official visit by King Mohammed VI to France, a plan that has already been agreed upon.

Morocco emerges as France’s key Maghreb partner

The deepening of Franco-Moroccan ties underscores France’s intent to solidify its primary partnership in the Maghreb region. On security matters, particularly in the Sahel, Paris seeks to rely more heavily on Rabat’s role. This strategic shift occurs amid ongoing sensitivities in relations with Algeria, despite recent signs of improved cooperation between Algiers and Paris.