Rabat — In a move to deepen strategic ties between France and Morocco, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will undertake an official two-day visit to Rabat starting this Wednesday. The visit underscores the growing momentum in bilateral relations, marked by high-level diplomatic engagement and renewed economic cooperation.

Lecornu’s agenda includes a series of meetings with Moroccan counterparts, beginning with a ceremonial welcome and an evening reception on Wednesday. The following day, he will join Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch for a formal bilateral discussion, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the royal mausoleum. A joint session with Moroccan and French ministers will then take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where several key agreements are expected to be signed.

This visit follows President Emmanuel Macron’s historic three-day state visit to Morocco in October 2024, which marked a turning point in relations after years of strained ties. Macron’s trip culminated in the signing of multiple trade and investment deals, as well as France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara—a move that intensified regional tensions.

Lecornu’s arrival in Rabat is his first official foreign trip since assuming office in late 2025, signaling the importance Morocco holds in France’s diplomatic priorities. The agenda highlights cooperation across critical sectors, including economic growth, national security, migration management, and defense collaboration.

Among the key discussions will be the potential extradition of Franco-Moroccan national Ismael Benahmed, accused of a 2019 homicide in Paris and recently detained in Morocco. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is set to engage with his counterpart on this matter during his separate meetings.

Strengthening economic and political partnerships

The visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to reinforce their alliance through enhanced trade flows and investment initiatives. French businesses are poised to expand their footprint in Morocco, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. A potential state visit by King Mohammed VI to France could further solidify this alliance, with discussions underway to formalize a “special partnership” treaty between the two countries.

As diplomatic relations continue to thaw, this high-level engagement reflects a shared commitment to stability, prosperity, and mutual development in the Euro-Mediterranean region.