Rabat hosts pivotal Morocco-France summit to elevate bilateral ties

Our Rabat correspondent Matthias Raynal reports

The high-level meeting between Moroccan and French delegations signals a new chapter in the warming diplomatic relations between the two nations. Both prime ministers emphasized this during their opening speeches on Thursday morning.

Established in 1996 under King Hassan II, these summits were sidelined during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent diplomatic tensions between Rabat and Paris. Those challenging years now seem distant.

‘A fresh chapter in bilateral relations’

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch described the strengthened partnership, finalized during the French president’s state visit in 2024, as having inaugurated ‘a fresh chapter in bilateral relations’ and set ‘an ambitious course forward.’

The French prime minister highlighted the need to strengthen Franco-Moroccan relations, calling it a ‘pivotal moment.’ Both sides expressed their commitment to ‘elevate their bilateral ties to the next level.’

Over a dozen cooperation agreements signed

Before the plenary session, French and Moroccan ministers held bilateral talks, including a meeting between Sébastien Lecornu and Aziz Akhannouch. Security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts were key discussion points.

Lecornu also mentioned the potential for a royal visit to France, which could culminate in a new bilateral treaty to redefine the Paris-Rabat relationship.

Following the plenary, over a dozen cooperation instruments were signed, including conventions, declarations of intent, and cooperation agreements.