Strengthening Franco-Moroccan ties takes center stage as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrives in Rabat for a two-day official visit.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Sébastien Lecornu will hold high-level talks with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, accompanied by key ministers including Foreign Affairs and Interior. This meeting marks the first such gathering between the two governments since 2019, underscoring a deliberate effort to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Relations between France and Morocco have steadily improved since Emmanuel Macron formally acknowledged Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara in mid-2024. The move sparked diplomatic friction with Algeria but paved the way for a historic state visit by Macron to Rabat in October 2024. That three-day visit, filled with pageantry and bilateral agreements, effectively ended a period of strained relations marked by alleged espionage and visa restrictions.
Key agreements on the agenda
This marks Sébastien Lecornu’s first international trip since assuming office in late 2025. The visit kicks off with a ceremonial welcome on Wednesday evening, followed by a solemn tribute at the royal mausoleum and bilateral talks on Thursday. A working session between delegations will take place at Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, culminating in the signing of several cooperation agreements.
These accords aim to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors: economics, security, migration, and defense. Analysts anticipate that this visit will inject fresh momentum into a relationship rooted in decades of shared history and mutual interests.
Security and migration priorities
During the visit, discussions will also focus on pressing issues such as the potential extradition of Franco-Moroccan national Ismael Benahmed to France. Benahmed, arrested recently in Morocco, is accused of involvement in a 2019 homicide in Paris. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez will lead these negotiations with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftit.
Additionally, the visit is expected to catalyze new French investment flows into Morocco, further solidifying economic ties between the two nations.
The ultimate highlight could be the announcement of a state visit by King Mohammed VI to France. Both countries have signaled their intention to formalize an exceptional partnership agreement, though the exact timing remains unconfirmed.