This week marks the first international journey undertaken by Lecornu since assuming office at Matignon ten months ago. His itinerary reflects both a tribute to a regional ally and a strategic move to reinforce bilateral cooperation.

A solemn mission to Qatar

The Prime Minister touched down in Doha on Tuesday alongside former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. Their primary objective: to convey France’s official condolences following the passing of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at the age of 74.

President Emmanuel Macron personally requested Lecornu’s presence in Qatar, emphasizing the “deep friendship” binding France and the Gulf state. The late Emir, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before unexpectedly abdicating in favor of his fourth son, had played a pivotal role in modernizing the nation and shaping its innovative foreign policy, a legacy acknowledged by the Élysée.

The Qatari government confirmed the former ruler’s death on Sunday evening, with funeral rites held shortly thereafter.

Advancing strategic ties in Morocco

Following his time in Qatar, Prime Minister Lecornu is scheduled to arrive in Rabat on Wednesday evening, where he will remain through Thursday. His agenda includes high-level meetings with Moroccan officials, accompanied by a delegation of twelve ministers—including the Foreign Affairs and Interior ministers, Jean-Noël Barrot and Laurent Nuñez respectively.

Among the key discussions will be a meeting with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, marking the first high-level governmental dialogue since 2019.

The visit comes at a pivotal moment in Franco-Moroccan relations, which have steadily improved since President Macron formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara in the summer of 2024—a move that drew sharp criticism from Algiers. The French head of state was later accorded a state visit to Rabat in October of the same year, concluding a three-year period of tension fueled by espionage allegations and visa restrictions. That visit culminated in the signing of multiple bilateral agreements.

Looking ahead, the next milestone could be a state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, potentially accompanied by the signing of a landmark treaty to formalize a “special partnership” between the two nations.