French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu embarked on an official visit to Rabat this week, aiming to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights following the diplomatic thaw initiated by President Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI. The visit, which included high-level discussions on security and economic ties, underscores Paris’s renewed focus on strengthening ties with Morocco at the expense of balancing relations with Algiers.
The visit came amid escalating tensions between France and Algeria, after Macron’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—a move that drew sharp criticism from Algeria. The visit also follows recent reports alleging Morocco’s use of Israeli spyware Pegasus to target French officials, including Lecornu himself when he was a minister in 2021. Rabat has consistently dismissed these claims as baseless.
During the visit, Lecornu emphasized the need to “change gears” in the relationship, particularly in areas of counterterrorism and security cooperation. He highlighted shared interests in addressing jihadist threats across the Sahel, positioning Morocco as a key EU partner in the region. The visit also included a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Royal Mausoleum, followed by talks with Moroccan officials.
Morocco’s government spokesperson, Mustapha Baitas, stressed the urgency of implementing prior commitments from the 2024 partnership agreement and preparing for future milestones. The visit culminated in discussions on a potential “unprecedented friendship treaty” between the two nations, though no timeline was set.
Security and economic cooperation take center stage
Lecornu, accompanied by twelve ministers including Foreign Affairs and Interior heads, attended the 15th session of the High-Level Consultation Forum—a dialogue platform that had not convened since 2019. The talks resulted in agreements spanning economic, security, migration, and defense sectors, including plans for a new Rabat commuter rail line and cultural initiatives.
Defense cooperation is also on the agenda, with discussions on potential arms procurement partnerships. The visit signals France’s strategic pivot toward Morocco, prioritizing Rabat over its traditional balancing act with Algiers, particularly amid Algeria’s reluctance to share intelligence despite recent rapprochement efforts.
French and Moroccan officials refrained from commenting on the latest Pegasus allegations, with the Élysée Palace describing the visit as an opportunity to “strengthen cooperation and mutual trust.” King Mohammed VI, in a message marking France’s national holiday, praised the “consolidation of privileged relations” between the two countries.
Looking ahead: A new chapter in Franco-Moroccan relations
The visit marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with France now prioritizing Morocco in its Maghreb diplomacy. While no official dates were announced, the potential for a Moroccan royal visit to Paris looms large, further solidifying the evolving partnership between the two nations.
