French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s visit to Rabat on Thursday, July 16, marked a significant and openly acknowledged strengthening of ties between France and Morocco. Discussions with Moroccan authorities centered on enhanced security cooperation, strategic investments, and the drafting of a unique bilateral treaty. Notably, recent disclosures concerning the Pegasus spyware scandal were deliberately kept off the official agenda.
A partnership revitalized
A new era in Franco-Moroccan relations was inaugurated this Thursday during French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s visit to the Moroccan capital. Standing alongside his counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister Lecornu lauded the visit as an «exceptionally positive» outcome and a «pivotal moment» for the bilateral relationship. This renewed closeness builds upon the momentum initiated in 2024, when French President Emmanuel Macron formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, effectively resolving years of diplomatic strain between Paris and Rabat.
Security, Africa, and ambitious projects
Both governments are committed to deepening their collaborative efforts, particularly in critical areas such as security, counter-terrorism, and the fight against drug trafficking. France is also eager to fortify its strategic partnership with Rabat on broader African challenges, notably addressing the persistent jihadist threat across the Sahel region. The high-level meeting culminated in the signing of approximately a dozen agreements. These pacts encompass key initiatives like enhancing electrical interconnection between the two nations, securing funding from the French Development Agency for vital water infrastructure projects, and planning a future RER commuter rail line within the Rabat metropolitan area. Prime Minister Lecornu further revealed that an «extraordinary» bilateral treaty is under preparation, with the potential for signing during an upcoming state visit to France by King Mohammed VI, a prospect currently under active consideration.
Pegasus in the background
However, this significant visit unfolded against the backdrop of fresh disclosures from an international media consortium regarding Morocco’s alleged use of the Pegasus spyware and France’s purported interest in the surveillance tool. French officials maintained a public silence on these allegations. Within the French delegation, the matter was downplayed, with aides to President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing that the primary objective was to «strengthen the framework of cooperation and trust» with Rabat. For its part, Morocco consistently refutes these accusations, labeling them as «false and unfounded allegations.»
