French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is preparing to embark on his first official international visit since assuming office last September. According to government sources, the high-profile trip to Rabat, Morocco, is scheduled for July 15, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the 40-year-old leader.
The visit comes at the invitation of Morocco’s Prime Minister and will center around co-chairing the fifteenth edition of the Franco-Moroccan intergovernmental seminar, known as the “High-Level Meeting” (RHN). This high-stakes gathering brings together key ministers from both nations to discuss bilateral cooperation and strategic partnerships.
Lecornu will be accompanied by a dozen French ministers, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who will engage with their Moroccan counterparts. The diplomatic delegation’s arrival marks the first time such a meeting has taken place since 2019, following a period of strained relations between the two countries. However, recent efforts have led to a thaw in bilateral ties, culminating in French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, where France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory.
Summer work ethic at the French cabinet
While July remains a busy month for government operations, August typically offers ministers a brief respite from official duties. However, Prime Minister Lecornu has reportedly urged his cabinet members to maintain a productive summer schedule. According to government insiders, he has instructed ministers to take “rest breaks but not extended vacations,” emphasizing the importance of continuity in governance.
Known for his aversion to prolonged breaks, Lecornu himself plans to split his August between Paris and Vernon in the Eure region, where he will combine leisure with work-related tasks. The French government continues to prioritize effective leadership throughout the summer months.