French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to embark on his first official international tour since assuming office, with Rabat as his primary destination. Following a solemn tribute in Doha, he will arrive in the Moroccan capital on Wednesday, July 15, for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between France and the Kingdom of Morocco.
The high-level meetings, described as a “meeting of minds”, mark the first such encounter between the two governments since 2019. Under the spotlight will be potential future collaborations, including a historic state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, a prospect recently confirmed by officials from both nations.
Diplomatic thaw between Paris and Rabat
The timing of this visit couldn’t be more significant. Since 2024, France has taken a decisive stance in favor of Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara dispute, recognizing the country’s sovereignty over the territory. This policy shift—announced during President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to Rabat in October 2024—put an end to years of strained relations, including visa disputes and allegations of intelligence operations.
The visit culminated in the signing of multiple economic and security agreements, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations. Analysts note that France is now prioritizing its partnership with Morocco over maintaining a delicate balance with Algeria.
“The relationship has never been better, and now is the time to harvest the benefits,” commented Hasni Abidi, director of the Centre for Studies and Research on the Arab and Mediterranean World in Geneva.
Key agreements and discussions on the agenda
The agenda for Sébastien Lecornu’s visit is packed with symbolic and practical steps. On Wednesday evening, he will be accorded a military welcome before paying respects at the royal mausoleum, honoring the legacy of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II. The following morning, bilateral talks will kick off at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where several groundbreaking accords are expected to be signed.
The scope of these agreements spans economy, security, migration, and defense, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the partnership. A working lunch hosted by King Mohammed VI and chaired by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch will cap off the visit, providing an opportunity for further high-level dialogue.
Among the critical topics is the potential extradition of Ismael Benahmed, a Franco-Moroccan national detained in Morocco and wanted in France for a 2019 homicide case. Additionally, both sides will reaffirm their mutual support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which gained international traction following the United Nations’ 2025 resolution endorsing the initiative.
The Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Morocco but recognized by the UN as “non-self-governing,” has been a decades-long flashpoint in the region. The Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria, continues to contest Rabat’s control.
A historic partnership in the making
The most anticipated outcome of this visit could be the formalization of an “exceptional partnership treaty” between France and Morocco. Foreign ministers from both countries announced in late May the principles of such an agreement, though the exact timeline remains undisclosed. The last official visit by King Mohammed VI to France dates back to March 2000, making this potential treaty a landmark moment in bilateral relations.
For Sébastien Lecornu, this trip represents not only a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic move to consolidate France’s influence in North Africa amid shifting regional dynamics.
