The Kingdom of Morocco now takes center stage in France’s diplomatic strategy across the Maghreb region. This shift comes ahead of French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s two-day official visit to Rabat on July 15 and 16, marking his first international trip since assuming office.

Lecornu, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, will hold bilateral talks with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. The visit will culminate in an official lunch and a joint press conference where key priorities of the Franco-Moroccan partnership will be outlined.

Strengthening bilateral cooperation

During a Senate session in Paris, Lecornu highlighted the exceptional quality of judicial and security collaboration between the two nations. «The strategic partnership with our Moroccan allies stands at an outstanding level, particularly in policing and legal cooperation», he stated, emphasizing the depth of these ties.

The visit also includes a significant diplomatic engagement: a gathering of French and Moroccan parliamentary delegations at the French Senate. The Moroccan delegation, led by Mohamed Zidouh, President of the Morocco-France Parliamentary Friendship Group, met with influential French MEPs including François-Xavier Bellamy (EPP), Pierre Jouvet (S&D), and Fabienne Keller (European Parliament Quaestor).

Parliamentary diplomacy highlights shared vision

François-Xavier Bellamy praised the robust alliance between Morocco and France, calling the Kingdom an «exemplary partner in development, openness, and progress». He underscored Morocco’s «comprehensive modernization drive», urging the European Union to recognize the country’s «serious, credible, and commitment-driven approach».

Addressing territorial integrity, Bellamy reaffirmed France’s stance, stating: «Recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara aligns with international law and reflects our shared values».

Pierre Jouvet, for his part, described Morocco as an «essential geopolitical ally for both France and Europe», stressing the need to «reinforce bilateral relations and safeguard the foundations of this strategic partnership».