France is charting a bold new course in its diplomatic relationship with Morocco by negotiating a groundbreaking bilateral treaty. Designed to cement long-term cooperation, the agreement will address evolving challenges and opportunities for both nations in the decades ahead.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled the initiative on July 16 in Rabat, following the conclusion of the 15th High-Level Franco-Moroccan Meeting. He led a delegation of twelve French ministers who engaged with their Moroccan counterparts to advance key priorities.

«This treaty will establish the first-ever bilateral agreement France signs with a non-EU nation,» Lecornu stated, emphasizing its role in fostering a «distinctive, stable, and forward-looking» framework for future collaboration.

A joint committee of French and Moroccan experts is now drafting the treaty’s provisions. Beyond symbolic gestures of goodwill, the document aims to create actionable policies across multiple sectors that will define the partnership’s trajectory.

Strategic partnership enters a new phase

The treaty builds on President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, where both governments pledged to implement concrete initiatives. Now, Paris and Rabat are prioritizing collaboration in industry, energy, transportation, defense, security, agriculture, culture, and higher education. Facilitating smoother mobility for entrepreneurs and students is also a key focus.

Lecornu highlighted the robust counterterrorism, anti-narcotics, human trafficking, and irregular migration efforts already underway between the two nations. A comprehensive security accord is in the works to solidify these joint efforts.

The French government reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, describing it as «non-negotiable.» This position will remain unchanged and will continue to shape France’s strategic decisions in its dealings with Morocco.