Rabat witnessed a historic moment as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch jointly declared a “renewed confidence” in bilateral relations during a high-level meeting on July 16, 2026. The two leaders emphasized the strengthening of ties following years of diplomatic strain, particularly since France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—a move that reshaped regional dynamics.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu (left) and Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch at a joint press conference in Rabat
The visit marked the first high-level dialogue between the two nations since 2019, culminating in a dozen agreements spanning energy, infrastructure, and security cooperation. Lecornu hailed the “exceptionally positive” state of relations, noting significant progress since the 2024 reconciliation under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership.
A strategic shift in North Africa
France’s diplomatic pivot toward Rabat reflects a deliberate move away from its previous balancing act with Algiers. The meeting underscored Morocco’s newfound centrality in Paris’s regional strategy, particularly amid rising jihadist threats in the Sahel. “Our cooperation with Morocco has achieved unprecedented operational successes in combating organized crime and drug trafficking,” Lecornu stated, highlighting joint efforts that have yielded tangible results.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as built on “shared strategic vision, mutual trust, and collective ambition.” The Moroccan monarch’s planned state visit to France—potentially culminating in an unprecedented first-of-its-kind treaty outside the EU framework—was identified as a key milestone in solidifying this alliance.
Sébastien Lecornu and Aziz Akhannouch exchange a handshake after their meeting in Rabat
Security and mobility: Key priorities
Both nations pledged to deepen collaboration on counterterrorism, with Lecornu emphasizing France’s growing reliance on Morocco’s intelligence-sharing amid Algeria’s reluctance to engage fully. Visa policies, a lingering irritant since 2021 when France halved issuances to Moroccans, were addressed with promises of streamlined “circular mobility” for entrepreneurs and students.
Economic and energy ties take center stage
Among the agreements signed were:
- An electricity interconnection feasibility study, aiming to bolster energy security;
- Loan agreements with France’s development agency for water infrastructure and Rabat’s upcoming regional express rail network (RER);
- Enhanced bilateral cooperation on countering drug trafficking and jihadist movements in the Sahel.
While tensions linger over allegations of Moroccan espionage using the Pegasus software—vehemently denied by Rabat—French officials dismissed the issue as “old news,” focusing instead on the tangible outcomes of the visit. The absence of a Q&A session during the press briefing further highlighted the carefully managed narrative surrounding the visit.
As Macron prepares to host King Mohammed VI, the stage is set for a new chapter in Franco-Moroccan relations, one where pragmatism and mutual interests eclipse past grievances.
Sébastien Lecornu delivers opening remarks during a plenary session with Moroccan ministers
