In a carefully chosen diplomatic move, France’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu made his first official trip abroad to Morocco on July 15 and 16, 2026. The visit sent a clear message about the revitalization of relations between Paris and Rabat, following years of strained ties.
During his stay, the French Prime Minister co-chaired the 15th High-Level Meeting (RHN) with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. This bilateral summit marked the first of its kind since 2019, after a prolonged pause in institutional dialogue between the two nations.
Twelve ministers accompany the French delegation
Sébastien Lecornu did not arrive in Rabat alone. He was accompanied by twelve French ministers, including Laurent Nuñez, the Interior Minister, and Jean-Noël Barrot, the Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister. The size of the delegation underscored the significance Paris placed on this diplomatic mission.
The French Prime Minister took to social media platform X to confirm the historic nature of the visit, highlighting its role as the first High-Level Meeting since 2019 and his warm reception by Morocco’s head of government.
Landmark friendship treaty in the works
Beyond symbolic gestures, the visit resulted in the signing of several cooperation agreements between the two countries, though their specifics were not immediately disclosed. The highlight of the discussions was the announcement of an upcoming exceptional friendship treaty between France and Morocco.
This treaty is expected to be formally ratified during a future state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, a trip currently under discussion. No official date has been set for the monarch’s visit.
Royal reception and ceremonial tributes
King Mohammed VI hosted an official luncheon for the French delegation in Rabat on July 16. In a traditional gesture, Sébastien Lecornu and his team laid wreaths at the royal mausoleum, paying their respects at the tombs of Mohammed V and Hassan II.
During an interview on Medi1TV, the French Prime Minister described the visit as “a pivotal moment in relations between Rabat and Paris.”
Diplomatic thaw since 2024
For French observers, this visit represents a continuation of a thaw in relations that began in 2024, after years of tension over issues such as the Western Sahara and consular matters. The trip by Sébastien Lecornu signals a new phase in the rapprochement between the two capitals, following initial steps toward reconciliation.
Morocco remains one of France’s most critical economic and diplomatic partners in Africa, with a substantial Franco-Moroccan community in both countries. The resumption of the High-Level Meeting after a multi-year hiatus served as a litmus test for the durability of the renewed relationship.
The next anticipated milestone is the state visit of King Mohammed VI to France, which has been discussed by both nations but remains without a confirmed timeline.
