The 15th Morocco-France high-level meeting (RHN) is being held this Thursday, July 16, in Morocco, coinciding with Prime Minister Lecornu’s official visit alongside numerous government officials. This significant gathering, a key framework for dialogue between the two nations since its inception in 1997, follows the previous edition held in Paris in December 2019.

This current session marks a crucial step in the renewed momentum of Franco-Moroccan relations, a dynamic that has been unfolding over the past two years. It provides an essential platform for members of both governments to engage directly on the strategic priorities of their bilateral partnership and to review ongoing collaborations established under the “reinforced exceptional partnership” agreement signed in October 2024.

The visit commenced with bilateral discussions between the French and Moroccan Prime Ministers. Members of the French delegation are also scheduled to hold separate meetings with their Moroccan counterparts to delve into various facets of cooperation.

The RHN’s plenary session stands as the central event of these proceedings, co-chaired by both heads of government. During this session, each ministerial pair will present the outcomes of their bilateral exchanges and outline the shared priorities identified for the coming years.

Concluding the session will be a summary delivered by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, followed by the formal signing of numerous bilateral agreements spanning diverse cooperation areas.

A joint press statement from both Prime Ministers is also anticipated at the conclusion of the working sessions, preceding a luncheon hosted by King Mohammed VI and presided over by the Head of Government.

Fifteen agreements across multiple sectors

In total, approximately fifteen agreements are expected to be formalized in sectors deemed vital for the Franco-Moroccan partnership. These include decentralized cooperation, railway infrastructure, notably the proposed creation of a Regional Express Network (RER) line in Rabat, water management, the development of the Casablanca-Settat region, civil aviation, culture, and education.

In the energy domain, both countries are set to progress on identifying projects related to a potential electrical interconnection between Morocco and France. This initiative aligns with the strategic partnership on energy cooperation, connectivity, and energy transition, which was signed during the French President’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024.

Regarding defense, Paris and Rabat intend to intensify their dialogue in the fields of armaments and defense industry, aiming to pinpoint new cooperation opportunities.

The cultural sector is also a key focus, with plans for launching artistic residency programs, enhancing exchanges in cinema, audiovisual production, and video games, alongside a strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute and Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

French delegation comprises 13 officials

The French delegation, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, includes twelve additional government members. Among them are Laurent Nunez, Minister of the Interior; Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs; Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty; Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Catherine Pégard, Minister of Culture; Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport; and Anne Le Hénanff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs.

Senator Christian Cambon, who chairs the France-Morocco friendship group in the Senate, and Deputy Karim Ben Cheikh are also participating in the visit. They are scheduled to meet with the presidents of the two chambers of the Moroccan Parliament.

On the sidelines of the RHN, the French delegation will visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum to pay respects and lay a wreath in honor of Morocco’s founding monarchs.

This 15th high-level meeting takes place between two significant state visits: that of French President Emmanuel Macron to Rabat in October 2024 and the anticipated visit of King Mohammed VI to France. It is designed to advance preparations for upcoming stages of the Franco-Moroccan partnership, particularly work related to the development of a future bilateral treaty.