France Morocco relations warming up under lecornu’s visit

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s official visit to Rabat has marked a significant turning point in the bilateral relations between France and Morocco. During a high-level meeting with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, Lecornu highlighted a new momentum in cooperation between the two nations.

The discussions focused on deepening strategic partnerships, particularly in security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability across the Sahel. A major highlight of the talks was the potential signing of an unprecedented friendship treaty, aimed at solidifying long-term ties between Paris and Rabat.

a historic shift in diplomatic ties

The warming of relations follows years of strained diplomatic exchanges, particularly over security concerns and visa policies. However, a pivotal moment came in the summer of 2024, when France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a stance that drew sharp criticism from neighboring Algeria.

Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Rabat in October 2024 further eased tensions, culminating in the signing of an exceptional strengthened partnership. This agreement paved the way for new economic and security collaborations, including major trade deals and joint initiatives.

overcoming past controversies

Despite lingering questions about espionage allegations involving the Pegasus software, both nations have chosen to prioritize forward-looking diplomacy. Recent joint investigations by international media outlets reignited debates over Morocco’s alleged use of Pegasus for surveillance. The Moroccan government has consistently dismissed these claims as baseless and unfounded.

During the visit, Lecornu was received with full military honors at Rabat-Salé Airport, accompanied by a high-level delegation of 12 ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. The two leaders emphasized their shared interests in combating jihadist threats across the Sahel region and proposed strengthening Morocco’s role as a key anchor for EU-Morocco relations.

In a statement marking France’s national holiday on July 14, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI conveyed his appreciation for the consolidation of privileged relations between the two countries.

looking ahead: strengthened cooperation

Lecornu described the visit as a “pivotal moment” in Franco-Moroccan relations, with both sides committing to elevating cooperation to a new level. Akhannouch, in turn, stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of 2024 partnership commitments and prepare for future steps.

A potential visit by King Mohammed VI to France and the signing of the friendship treaty remain on the agenda, though no specific timeline has been set.