July 20, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Maroc and France forge new bilateral treaty for stronger ties

Morocco and France forge historic bilateral treaty

– 11:00 AM – Morocco

France is set to redefine its partnership with Morocco through a groundbreaking bilateral treaty. The agreement aims to establish a robust long-term framework, aligning both nations with the evolving challenges of the coming decades.

The initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Rabat on July 16, where French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu led a delegation of twelve ministers to engage with their Moroccan counterparts. This landmark treaty will be the first of its kind that France will sign with a non-European Union nation.

«This treaty will go beyond mere declarations of friendship,» Lecornu stated. «It will create a unique, stable, and ambitious structure to guide our shared future.» A joint committee of French and Moroccan experts is currently refining the treaty’s provisions to ensure lasting impact.

Morocco-France relations: a new chapter

The treaty builds on the momentum of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024. Both governments are committed to translating those discussions into tangible outcomes across multiple sectors.

Key areas of collaboration include industry, energy, transportation, defense, agriculture, culture, and higher education. Mobility initiatives, particularly for entrepreneurs and students, are also a focal point of the agreement.

Lecornu highlighted the robust cooperation between Moroccan and French authorities in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration. A comprehensive security accord is expected to further strengthen this joint effort.

The French Prime Minister reaffirmed France’s unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, describing it as «inalienable.» He emphasized that this position remains consistent and will continue to shape France’s engagements with Morocco.

Related topics: Rabat, Paris, Emmanuel Macron, European Union, France