The French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on Wednesday evening for a two-day official visit aimed at reinforcing the strategic ties between France and Morocco. The visit, welcomed by Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, follows a period of growing cooperation between the two nations, marked notably by France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

The visit comes after a five-year pause in the High-Level Franco-Moroccan Meeting, a high-profile dialogue platform that had not convened since 2019. High-level discussions between Lecornu and Akhannouch are expected to set the stage for the 15th edition of this strategic forum, where key agreements will be finalized.

strengthening economic and security ties

Among the anticipated outcomes is the signing of nearly 15 agreements spanning aviation, infrastructure, water management, electricity interconnection, defense, and cultural exchanges. A landmark collaboration between the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and Morocco’s Ministry of Culture is also expected to be formalized during the visit.

The timing of this visit underscores France’s intent to deepen its partnership with Morocco, particularly in the Maghreb region. With ongoing security challenges in the Sahel, Paris is increasingly looking to Rabat as a key ally. This shift comes amid a cautious but improving relationship with Algeria, another major player in the region.

looking ahead: an official visit by king mohammed vi

The discussions in Rabat may also lay the groundwork for an upcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, a prospect already confirmed by both sides. The visit reflects the strengthening of a bilateral relationship built on shared interests in stability, economic growth, and regional security.