The 15th High-Level Meeting (RHN) between Morocco and France is taking place this Thursday, July 16, in Morocco, coinciding with the official visit of French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his accompanying government officials. This pivotal gathering, established in 1997 as a primary framework for dialogue between the two nations, marks a significant return since its last iteration in Paris in December 2019.

This current session is integral to the ongoing revitalization of Franco-Moroccan relations, a process initiated almost two years ago. It provides an essential platform for members of both governments to engage directly on the strategic priorities of their bilateral partnership and to assess the progress of various collaborations under the ‘enhanced exceptional partnership’ agreement, formalized in October 2024. Such high-level diplomatic exchanges are crucial for African governance and contribute significantly to African current affairs.

The visit commenced with critical bilateral talks between the French and Moroccan Prime Ministers. Additionally, members of the French delegation are scheduled to hold separate meetings with their Moroccan counterparts to delve into specific areas of cooperation.

The RHN’s plenary session will serve as a central event, co-chaired by both heads of government. During this session, each ministerial pair will present the outcomes of their bilateral discussions and outline the common priorities identified for the coming years.

The proceedings will culminate with a comprehensive summary delivered by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, followed by the formal signing of several bilateral agreements spanning various cooperation domains. A joint press statement from both Prime Ministers is also anticipated at the conclusion of the work, preceding a luncheon hosted by King Mohammed VI and presided over by the Head of Government.

a multitude of agreements across key sectors

In total, approximately fifteen agreements are expected to be signed, focusing on sectors deemed critical for the Franco-Moroccan partnership. These include decentralized cooperation, railway infrastructure — notably the proposed Réseau Express Régional (RER) line in Rabat — water management, the development of the Casablanca-Settat region, civil aviation, culture, and education.

In the energy sector, both countries aim to advance the identification of projects related to a potential electricity interconnection between Morocco and France. This initiative builds upon the strategic partnership for energy cooperation, connectivity, and energy transition, which was signed during the French President’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, highlighting a key aspect of English Africa news.

Regarding defense, Paris and Rabat plan to intensify their dialogue in the fields of armament and defense industry, seeking new avenues for cooperation.

The cultural sector also features prominently in the discussions, with plans for launching artistic residency programs, enhancing exchanges in cinema, audiovisual production, and video games. A strategic partnership between the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication is also on the agenda.

a robust french delegation of 13 officials

The French delegation is led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, accompanied by twelve government ministers. Key members include Laurent Nunez, Minister of the Interior; Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs; Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty; Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Catherine Pégard, Minister of Culture; Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport; and Anne Le Hénanff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs.

Senator Christian Cambon, President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the Senate, and Member of Parliament Karim Ben Cheikh are also participating in the visit. They are scheduled to meet with the presidents of both chambers of the Moroccan Parliament, reflecting the comprehensive nature of this continent news event.

On the sidelines of the RHN, the French delegation will pay respects at the Mausoleum Mohammed V, laying a wreath in homage to the founding sovereigns of contemporary Morocco.

This 15th High-Level Meeting is strategically positioned between two state visits: that of French President Emmanuel Macron to Rabat in October 2024 and the anticipated visit of King Mohammed VI to France. It is expected to significantly contribute to preparing the next stages of the Franco-Moroccan partnership, particularly the groundwork for a future bilateral treaty, solidifying the enduring Morocco France partnership.