France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu made a historic first official trip abroad since taking office, landing in Rabat on July 15 and 16, 2026. The visit sent a clear signal of renewed commitment between Paris and Rabat, following years of strained relations.
In Morocco’s capital, Lecornu co-chaired the 15th High-Level Meeting (RHN) with Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch. This bilateral summit marked the resumption of institutional dialogue after a seven-year pause, with no such gathering held since 2019.
A high-profile delegation underscores strategic importance
Lecornu did not travel alone—he was accompanied by a dozen French ministers, including Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The size of the delegation underscored the significance Paris places on deepening ties with Rabat.
The Prime Minister took to X to highlight the unprecedented nature of the visit, confirming his arrival for the landmark summit and his reception by Morocco’s head of government.
Landmark friendship treaty in the making
Beyond symbolic gestures, the visit led to the signing of several cooperation agreements, though their specifics remain undisclosed. Lecornu also announced plans for an ambitious new friendship treaty between France and Morocco, described as “unprecedented in scope.”
The treaty is expected to be finalized during Morocco’s upcoming state visit to France, currently under discussion. No official date has been announced for King Mohammed VI’s trip.
A royal welcome and ceremonial tributes
King Mohammed VI hosted an official lunch for the French delegation in Rabat on July 16. The visit also included protocolary gestures, with Lecornu and his team laying wreaths at the royal mausoleum, honoring the resting places of Morocco’s former monarchs, Mohammed V and Hassan II.
In a statement to Medi1TV, Lecornu described the visit as “a pivotal moment” in Franco-Moroccan relations.
Diplomatic thaw since 2024
For observers, the visit reflects a broader thaw in relations that began in 2024 after years of tension—particularly over Western Sahara and consular disputes. The resumption of high-level dialogue signals renewed confidence in the partnership between the two nations.
With deep economic and diplomatic ties, Morocco remains one of France’s most vital partners in Africa. The High-Level Meeting served as a litmus test for the durability of this renewed relationship. The next major milestone will be King Mohammed VI’s state visit to France, though its timing remains uncertain.
