French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu (left) and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch at a press conference in Rabat

Morocco and France have reaffirmed their restored confidence in a landmark meeting in Rabat, as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded a high-level visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties. The two nations marked a significant shift from past tensions, with both sides emphasizing progress across key sectors.

Lecornu described the outcome of the talks as exceptionally positive, highlighting a strengthened partnership following French President Emmanuel Macron’s historic 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—a move that drew sharp criticism from Algiers.

Macron’s subsequent state visit to Rabat in October 2024 signaled the end of a three-year rift, fueled by espionage allegations and visa disputes. The visit yielded substantial agreements, including a groundbreaking enhanced partnership designed to elevate cooperation to unprecedented levels.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu (left) and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch embrace after a press conference in Rabat

navigating shadows amid growing partnership

Despite the positive momentum, reports emerged of new investigations into Morocco’s alleged use of Pegasus spyware, raising questions about digital surveillance practices. Rabat swiftly dismissed these claims as baseless allegations, and French officials remained tight-lipped on the matter, framing it as old news.

The joint press conference was notably scaled back, with no opportunity for journalists to ask questions—a decision some observers interpreted as a deliberate effort to control the narrative amid ongoing scrutiny.

a historic treaty in the making

French officials emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust, with Macron receiving a message from Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Bastille Day, praising the consolidation of privileged relations between the two nations.

Lecornu revealed plans for a unprecedented treaty—the first France would sign outside the European Union—though no date has been set for the Moroccan monarch’s anticipated visit to Paris.

The French delegation, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, engaged in a 15th high-level meeting with Moroccan counterparts—a dialogue that had not convened since 2019.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu delivers opening remarks during a plenary session with Moroccan ministers in Rabat

strengthening security and economic ties

Lecornu hailed the talks as a pivotal moment, calling for an upgrade in bilateral relations, particularly in security and counterterrorism. He also pledged to ease visa policies for Moroccan professionals and students, addressing past disputes over entry restrictions.

The French Prime Minister underscored exceptional operational successes in combating organized crime and drug trafficking, attributing them to seamless intelligence-sharing between the two nations.

Highlighting the central importance of Africa, Lecornu stressed deeper collaboration in the Sahel, where jihadist threats persist. Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as rooted in shared strategic vision and mutual ambition.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his delegation arrive at the Royal Mausoleum in Rabat

With Algeria’s reluctance to share intelligence in the Sahel, France is increasingly turning to Morocco as a key ally in regional security efforts. Twelve agreements were signed, including a call for bids on cross-border electricity interconnection and financing deals for water projects and Rabat’s RER rail line.