France prioritizes Morocco in Maghreb diplomacy

French diplomacy has shifted its focus toward Morocco, marking a clear departure from its previous efforts to maintain a balanced approach in the Maghreb region. This strategic realignment takes center stage ahead of the two-day official visit by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to the Kingdom, scheduled for July 15 and 16.

Lecornu, whose visit represents his first international trip since assuming office, will lead a high-level delegation including key ministers such as the Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The agenda includes a bilateral meeting with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, followed by a joint press conference.

The visit will culminate in an official luncheon, preceded by a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and a meeting between French and Moroccan officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Strengthening strategic partnerships

In a statement to the Senate, Lecornu highlighted the exceptional level of police and judicial cooperation between France and Morocco. “I commend the outstanding collaboration with our Moroccan partners, which reflects the strength and depth of our bilateral ties,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of this relationship in addressing shared security challenges.

The visit also underscores the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy, as a delegation of Moroccan parliamentarians, led by Mohamed Zidouh, engaged in discussions with French and European officials. Among those participating were François-Xavier Bellamy, Vice-President of the European People’s Party, Pierre Jouvet, Vice-President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and Fabienne Keller, Quaestor of the European Parliament.

Morocco praised as a model partner

During the exchanges, François-Xavier Bellamy praised the deep friendship and cooperation between Morocco and France, describing the Kingdom as a beacon of openness, dynamism, and progress. He emphasized Morocco’s comprehensive development initiatives, calling on the European Union to recognize the Kingdom’s commitment to reform and adherence to international obligations.

Addressing the issue of Morocco’s territorial integrity, Bellamy reiterated France’s stance, affirming its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, a position he described as consistent with international law.

Meanwhile, Pierre Jouvet described Morocco as an essential geopolitical partner for both France and Europe, stressing the need to further consolidate bilateral relations and safeguard the achievements of their strategic partnership.