Warming diplomatic winds – France’s Prime Minister outlines plans for a landmark friendship treaty and a potential visit by Morocco’s monarch

Franco-Moroccan relations have reached a pivotal moment, marked by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s official visit to Rabat. The visit signals a clear intent to deepen bilateral ties, with discussions underway for a high-profile state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris and the eventual signing of a groundbreaking “friendship treaty” between the two nations. While no official timeline has been set, the momentum is undeniable.

This diplomatic thaw follows France’s historic decision in mid-2024 to endorse Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a move that strained relations with Algeria. The gesture underscored France’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Morocco, setting the stage for high-level exchanges.

Strengthened ties despite Pegasus revelations

The turning point came in October 2024 when French President Emmanuel Macron was accorded a lavish welcome in Rabat, marking the end of a three-year rift fueled by espionage allegations and visa restrictions. The visit yielded substantial agreements, including a landmark “exceptional strengthened partnership” and a slew of economic collaborations.

In a recent development, an international media consortium revealed fresh insights into Morocco’s alleged use of the Pegasus spyware, which has been linked to widespread surveillance operations. The reports also suggest that France has been examining the possibility of acquiring the software, a claim that has raised eyebrows given the context of improving bilateral relations.

Back in 2021, Morocco faced accusations of deploying the Israeli-made spyware to infiltrate the phones of prominent figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and then-Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Despite these allegations, Rabat has consistently denied any involvement in such activities.