French Prime Minister's Diplomatic Mission to Morocco
The French Prime Minister is set to visit Rabat on Wednesday and Thursday, aiming to fortify the burgeoning relations between France and Morocco. This visit, which includes discussions on a potential visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to enhance bilateral ties.
Accompanied by a delegation of around a dozen ministers, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Sébastien Lecornu will meet with his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch. This high-level meeting marks the first of its kind since 2019, signaling a renewed commitment to collaboration between the two nations.
The Franco-Moroccan relationship has markedly improved since President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara in the summer of 2024, an action that drew ire from Algeria. Following this recognition, Macron received a grand welcome during his three-day state visit to Rabat in October, which aimed to mend the tensions that had arisen over the previous three years, fueled by allegations of espionage and visa crises. This visit culminated in the signing of numerous agreements, paving the way for a stronger partnership.
According to Hasni Abidi, director of the Geneva-based Center for Studies and Research on the Arab and Mediterranean World (Cermam), "Relations are now excellent, and it is time to reap the benefits." This sentiment reflects a strategic shift in French diplomacy, with Morocco now taking precedence in Paris's approach to the Maghreb, moving away from the previous effort to maintain a balance with Algeria.
Prioritizing Moroccan Diplomacy
The evolution of French-Moroccan relations indicates that President Macron is no longer overly concerned about balancing ties with Algeria, which still remain fragile. This marks a significant turning point, especially as Lecornu embarks on his first foreign visit since assuming office in the fall of 2025, a tenure that has so far been characterized by discretion.
Upon his arrival, Lecornu will receive military honors, followed by a ceremonial laying of wreaths at the royal mausoleum with his Moroccan counterpart, before engaging in bilateral discussions. A subsequent meeting between delegations from both nations is scheduled to occur at the Moroccan Foreign Ministry, where several agreements are expected to be signed. This series of events aims to deepen collaboration in various sectors, including economic, security, migration, and defense.
As relations with Algeria remain challenging, historian Pierre Vermeren notes that Macron, nearing the end of his term, seeks to avoid a diplomatic setback in the Maghreb and is therefore pivoting towards Morocco. He suggests that Rabat could serve as a crucial intermediary for France in re-establishing connections with several sub-Saharan African nations, particularly given the mutual interests shared in combating jihadist threats in the Sahel region.
With existing cooperation in security, migration, and judicial matters, discussions will also encompass the potential extradition of Franco-Moroccan Ismael Benahmed, who is suspected of murder in Paris in 2019 and was recently arrested in Morocco. Furthermore, Rabat appreciates France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan regarding Western Sahara, which has influenced the adoption of a new UN resolution favoring Moroccan interests.
While the Franco-Moroccan relationship thrives, it is worth noting that during the height of the visa crisis in 2021 and 2022—when France halved the visas granted to Moroccans—Rabat not only stalled the return of its citizens in irregular situations but also sought new commercial partnerships with other European nations. The culmination of this diplomatic engagement could result in a royal visit from Mohammed VI to France, potentially accompanied by the signing of a treaty that establishes an "exceptional" Franco-Moroccan partnership. The foreign ministers of both countries hinted at this possibility at the end of May, although a specific date has yet to be confirmed. The last visit by a Moroccan monarch to France occurred in March 2000, during which King Mohammed VI sought to bolster bilateral cooperation.
As reported by latele.ch.
