France and Morocco strengthen strategic alliance during high-level visit

Rabat — Just one day after France’s national celebration, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Morocco for a two-day official visit, marking a pivotal moment in revitalizing bilateral ties. This visit follows a recent message from King Mohammed VI to French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the launch of a historic phase to elevate their exceptional partnership into a forward-looking model. This strategic alignment is set to pave the way for a future royal visit to France, where a treaty formalizing this strengthened alliance will be signed.

During his first official trip to the Kingdom since assuming office in 2025, Lecornu heads a delegation of around twelve ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. The French Prime Minister will hold a private meeting with Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch before co-chairing a high-level session. The discussions are expected to result in the signing of several bilateral agreements spanning key sectors such as economy, migration, justice, and defense.

On the economic front, the talks focus on co-development initiatives across Africa. Leveraging Morocco’s role as a logistical and financial hub, businesses from both nations aim to create joint projects aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Kingdom’s robust trade growth—with intra-African exports surging by 20.7% in 2025—and its participation in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) provide a secure framework for investments. Additionally, amid global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, Morocco’s port infrastructure emerges as a critical alternative route for logistical flows connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The regional security landscape remains a cornerstone of the agenda. Both capitals share deep concerns over the instability in the Sahel, where porous borders and escalating terrorist threats demand heightened vigilance. By deepening security and migration cooperation, France and Morocco seek to solidify a partnership they aim to further strengthen in the years ahead.