France is charting a new course in its relationship with Morocco by developing a landmark bilateral treaty aimed at formalizing long-term cooperation and aligning both nations with the challenges of the coming decades.

During a press briefing held in Rabat on July 16, following the 15th high-level Franco-Moroccan meeting, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled this ambitious initiative. He led a delegation of twelve ministers who engaged in discussions with their Moroccan counterparts.

“We are crafting a groundbreaking bilateral treaty between our two countries—the first France will sign with a nation outside the European Union,” Lecornu stated in remarks later published by the French government.

A joint committee of French and Moroccan experts is actively shaping the content of this future agreement. The treaty is designed not merely to reinforce existing bonds but to establish a unique, stable, and forward-looking framework for their shared future.

Morocco and France: a relationship poised for transformative growth

This initiative follows President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, during which both governments committed to translating past promises into tangible outcomes and launching innovative projects.

Paris and Rabat are prioritizing deeper collaboration across key sectors such as industry, energy, transportation, defense, security, agriculture, culture, and higher education. Enhanced mobility between the two nations—particularly for entrepreneurs and students—also ranks high on the agenda.

Lecornu highlighted the robust cooperation between Moroccan and French authorities in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration. A comprehensive security accord is in development to further solidify this joint effort.

The French official reaffirmed France’s unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, calling it non-negotiable. He emphasized that this position remains unchanged and will continue to shape all aspects of France’s engagements with Morocco.