A revitalized partnership 

France and Morocco marked a significant new chapter in their bilateral relationship during French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s recent visit to Rabat. Standing alongside his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch, Lecornu lauded the outcomes as « exceptionally positive » and described the current moment as « pivotal » for the two nations. This renewed closeness follows Emmanuel Macron’s 2024 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a decision that successfully diffused several years of diplomatic tensions between Paris and Rabat.

Security, africa, and major projects 

Both governments are now committed to deepening their collaboration, particularly in critical areas such as security, counter-terrorism efforts, and combating drug trafficking. Paris also aims to reinforce its partnership with Rabat on pressing African concerns, notably addressing the persistent jihadist threat across the Sahel region. The high-level meeting concluded with the signing of a dozen agreements. These pacts encompass diverse sectors, including electrical grid interconnection between the two countries, financial support from the French Development Agency for water-related initiatives, and plans for a future regional express train (RER) line within the Rabat metropolitan area. Furthermore, Sébastien Lecornu announced the development of an « extraordinary » bilateral treaty, currently under review, which could potentially be signed during a forthcoming visit by King Mohammed VI to France.

Pegasus in the background 

However, this significant visit unfolded against the backdrop of fresh disclosures from an international media consortium regarding the alleged deployment of the Pegasus spyware by Morocco and France’s purported interest in such surveillance technology. French authorities offered no official comments on these recent revelations. Within the French delegation, the topic 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 refutes these accusations, labeling them as « false and unfounded allegations. »