France and Morocco forge new partnership amid strengthened relations

In a landmark visit to Rabat, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch underscored the renewed confidence between Paris and Rabat, marking a significant shift in bilateral ties. The high-level meetings, held on July 16, 2026, highlighted a strategic alignment that has taken shape since French President Emmanuel Macron’s pivotal recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024.

The French head of government praised the exceptionally positive trajectory of Franco-Moroccan relations, which had been strained for years by disputes over espionage allegations and visa restrictions. The 2024 visit of President Macron to Morocco, welcomed with full honors, served as a turning point, paving the way for a reinforced partnership and the signing of multiple agreements.

Strategic cooperation takes center stage

Lecornu’s delegation, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, engaged in a 15th high-level dialogue—the first since 2019—aimed at elevating bilateral cooperation beyond traditional frameworks. A key focus was security and counterterrorism, with both nations acknowledging unprecedented operational successes in dismantling organized crime and drug trafficking networks.

The two leaders also emphasized the centrality of Africa, particularly the Sahel region, where jihadist threats persist. Morocco’s growing role in regional security was highlighted as a cornerstone of France’s evolving strategy in the Maghreb, shifting away from its previous balancing act with Algeria.

A partnership with far-reaching ambitions

Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch described the partnership as a shared strategic vision, built on political convergence and mutual trust. The visit culminated in the announcement of a landmark treaty—France’s first with a non-EU nation—though no date was set for the Moroccan king’s anticipated visit to Paris.

Among the dozen agreements signed were initiatives to enhance circular mobility between the two countries, easing visa processes for entrepreneurs and students. Additionally, Morocco secured loans for critical infrastructure projects, including a regional express rail (RER) line in Rabat and water management programs, facilitated by France’s development agency.

Challenges linger beneath the surface

Despite the celebratory tone, tensions remain. Reports of Morocco’s alleged use of the Pegasus spyware resurfaced during the visit, prompting denials from Rabat. French officials dismissed the issue as outdated, focusing instead on the broader agenda. The press conference was notably shortened, with no room for questions, underscoring the sensitivity of certain topics.

As France reorients its diplomacy in the Maghreb, Morocco emerges as a priority partner, with Paris increasingly prioritizing collaboration in the Sahel. The visit concluded with a call for deeper interconnection, including a joint initiative to explore electricity grid integration between the two nations.