During a significant visit to Rabat on Thursday, July 16, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan authorities openly showcased a newly reinforced relationship between their nations. Discussions primarily centered on security cooperation, strategic investments, and the prospect of an exceptional bilateral treaty. Notably, recent revelations concerning the Pegasus affair were deliberately kept off the official agenda.
A renewed partnership takes shape
France and Morocco marked a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations this Thursday, coinciding with the visit of French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Rabat. Standing alongside his counterpart, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, Lecornu hailed the visit as an “exceptionally positive” outcome and a “turning point” for the two countries. This closer alignment builds upon the momentum initiated in 2024 when President Emmanuel Macron recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a decision that successfully resolved years of diplomatic friction between Paris and Rabat.
Security, African challenges, and major initiatives
Both governments are now committed to deepening their collaboration, particularly in critical areas such as security, counter-terrorism efforts, and the fight against drug trafficking. Paris also seeks to bolster its partnership with Rabat on key African issues, especially in confronting the persistent jihadist threat across the Sahel region. The high-level meeting concluded with the signing of a dozen agreements. These accords encompass various sectors, including electrical interconnection between the two nations, funding from the French Development Agency for vital water projects, and the development of a future regional express train (RER) line within the Rabat metropolitan area. Sébastien Lecornu further announced the ongoing preparation of a unique bilateral treaty, currently under review, which could potentially be signed during a forthcoming visit by King Mohammed VI to France.
Pegasus casts a subtle shadow
Nevertheless, this significant visit unfolded against a backdrop of fresh revelations from an international media consortium regarding Morocco’s alleged use of the Pegasus spy software and France’s reported interest in this surveillance tool. French authorities refrained from making any official statements concerning these new allegations. Within the French delegation, the matter was downplayed, with President Emmanuel Macron’s close circle emphasizing that the immediate priority was to “strengthen the framework of cooperation and trust” with Rabat. Morocco, for its part, consistently denies these accusations, labeling them as “false and unfounded allegations.”
