The Prime Minister of France, accompanied by several key ministers, is set to embark on a significant two-day visit to Morocco starting this Wednesday. The primary aim of this diplomatic mission is to solidify the partnership between the two nations, which has seen improvements following a period of turbulence.
This visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first international trip for Sébastien Lecornu since he assumed office at Matignon. He is joined by a delegation of around a dozen ministers, including those responsible for Foreign Affairs and the Interior. The agenda includes high-level meetings with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, discussions among ministers overseeing equivalent portfolios, and the signing of agreements in various sectors, including economic affairs, security, migration, and defense.
After years of strained relations characterized by allegations of cyber espionage from the Élysée against Morocco and a reduction in the number of visas issued to Moroccans wishing to travel to France, the situation began to improve in 2024. This change was largely influenced by President Emmanuel Macron's support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
Preparing for a Strategic Partnership
This visit also aims to lay the groundwork for the future of Franco-Moroccan relations, with hopes for the signing of a so-called "exceptional partnership" agreement between the two countries, akin to those France has with certain European nations. This signing is anticipated during a forthcoming visit from the Moroccan king to France.
While the principle of this visit has been acknowledged by the foreign ministers of both nations since May, no specific date has been set. Public responses in France regarding this issue have been notably elusive, and there is a remarkable tendency among those presumed to be informed to change the subject when questioned privately. The infrequent public appearances of King Mohammed VI and ongoing speculation regarding his health add to this caution. Despite his private visits to France, his last official visit dates back to early 2000.
A Vital Relationship
This partnership is crucial for both countries. Despite past disagreements, France remains the largest foreign investor in Morocco and the primary source of foreign currency through the Moroccan diaspora in France. Morocco is equally significant to France, especially in the Maghreb region, where it is Paris’s favored partner, often overlooking the balance between Rabat and Algiers. The relations with Algeria, despite recent improvements in trade, remain complex. Furthermore, with the diminishing French influence in sub-Saharan Africa, Morocco’s resurgence as a continental player serves as an essential access point, especially following its reintegration into the African Union.
Moreover, Morocco has established itself as a global actor by diversifying its partnerships, notably with the United States. The country chose to join Donald Trump’s Peace Council, following its adherence to the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations with Israel. Although this decision was not universally popular at the time of its announcement in 2020, it subsequently led to the U.S. and Israeli recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara—an aspect considered fundamental to Morocco's foreign relations.
As reported by rfi.fr.
