France and Morocco deepen strategic ties during Rabat visit

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded a landmark official visit to Rabat, underscoring a renewed commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between France and Morocco. His three-day stay culminated in the announcement of approximately 15 bilateral agreements designed to elevate cooperation across critical sectors.

Elevating bilateral relations to new heights

Opening the 15th High-Level Meeting between French and Moroccan officials, Prime Minister Lecornu described the occasion as a « pivotal moment » in the relationship between the two nations. He emphasized the need to « scale up » collaboration, particularly in areas such as regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and joint initiatives across Africa. His Moroccan counterpart, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of accelerating the implementation of commitments made under the Exceptional Enhanced Partnership signed in 2024.

Fifteen agreements set to reshape cooperation

The visit is expected to yield a diverse portfolio of agreements spanning economic development, security cooperation, migration management, cultural exchange, and defense collaboration. Key initiatives include the establishment of a new Regional Express Rail (RER) line in Rabat, enhanced partnerships in the defense manufacturing sector, and expanded cultural cooperation programs. Additionally, the visit is seen as a precursor to a forthcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, where a landmark Friendship Treaty—described by Lecornu as « unprecedented »—is expected to be signed.

A strategic rapprochement amid ongoing scrutiny

The timing of the visit follows a period of renewed diplomatic alignment between Paris and Rabat, marked most notably by France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. While bilateral relations have visibly improved, the visit also occurs against the backdrop of recent reports regarding the alleged use of the Pegasus surveillance software by Moroccan authorities. Both governments have refrained from commenting on these allegations, reaffirming their focus on deepening cooperation and advancing shared strategic objectives.