Strengthening a renewed partnership

Upon arrival, Lecornu was greeted by Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. The visit comes as both nations seek to revitalize their bilateral relationship, which has seen significant improvement since France’s formal endorsement of Morocco’s position on Western Sahara. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting before co-chairing the 15th High-Level Franco-Moroccan Meeting—a framework for dialogue that has not convened since 2019.

Over a dozen agreements on the horizon

The agenda includes the signing of more than a dozen agreements covering civil aviation, infrastructure, water management, electricity interconnection, defense, and cultural exchanges. A landmark partnership between the Arab World Institute in Paris and Morocco’s Ministry of Culture is also set to be established. Additionally, this visit may lay the groundwork for an upcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, an arrangement already confirmed in principle.

Morocco: a key ally in the Maghreb

France’s push to solidify ties with Morocco underscores its intent to position Rabat as its primary partner in the Maghreb region. On security matters, particularly in the Sahel, Paris is increasingly looking to Morocco for collaboration, even as its relations with Algeria remain complex despite recent efforts to improve cooperation.