Since assuming office at Matignon ten months ago, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had not yet undertaken any international travel. This week, however, marks a significant shift as he embarks on his first official foreign visits.

His inaugural destination was Doha, where he arrived on Tuesday accompanied by former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The purpose of this trip was to deliver France’s official condolences to the Qatari government following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the age of 74. The late Emir, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before abdicating in favor of his fourth son, was remembered for spearheading a period of remarkable modernization and innovative diplomacy.

Emmanuel Macron personally tasked Lecornu with this mission, emphasizing the deep friendship between France and Qatar. The Qatari government had announced the Emir’s death on Sunday, with funeral proceedings concluding that evening.

Strengthening Franco-Moroccan ties in Rabat

Upon concluding his engagements in Qatar, Prime Minister Lecornu will travel to Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday evening, where he will remain until Thursday. The visit will feature high-level discussions with Moroccan authorities, joined by a delegation of twelve ministers, including the Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

Central to the agenda is a meeting with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, marking the first high-level governmental exchange between the two nations since 2019. The visit underscores France’s commitment to deepening relations with Morocco, particularly in light of President Macron’s declaration in summer 2024 recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory—a move that strained relations with Algeria.

Macron’s subsequent three-day state visit to Rabat in October 2024 further solidified ties, culminating in the signing of numerous bilateral agreements after years of diplomatic friction, including allegations of espionage and visa restrictions. The visit concluded with discussions on a potential future treaty to formalize an exceptional Franco-Moroccan partnership, potentially culminating in a state visit by King Mohammed VI to France.