French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrives in Rabat on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between France and Morocco. This trip marks his first foreign engagement since assuming office in late 2025 and signals a strategic pivot in France’s North African policy.

The delegation includes over a dozen ministers, notably Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The visit follows a period of strained relations, particularly after France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024, a move that strained ties with Algeria.

Key discussions will center on deepening cooperation in economic, security, migration, and defense sectors. A high-level meeting between the two governments is scheduled, the first of its kind since 2019. The agenda includes the signing of several bilateral agreements and a bilateral summit with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

Security challenges will be high on the talks, including efforts to combat jihadist threats in the Sahel. Morocco’s role as a mediator in Africa and its strategic position make it a key partner for France in addressing regional instability. The visit also aims to finalize discussions on a potential state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, a meeting that could further solidify the partnership.

Bilateral relations: a new chapter

The timing of this visit is significant, occurring as France seeks to recalibrate its approach to the Maghreb. After years of balancing relations between Morocco and Algeria, Paris is now prioritizing Rabat, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Algiers. This shift reflects a broader strategy to enhance France’s influence in North Africa.

“The relationship is now in excellent shape, and it’s time to harvest the fruits of this diplomacy,” noted Hasni Abidi, director of the Geneva-based Centre for Studies and Research on the Arab and Mediterranean World (Cermam).

Economic and geopolitical implications

France’s growing focus on Morocco comes at a crucial moment. Rabat has emerged as a key interlocutor for Paris in Africa, particularly in addressing security concerns in the Sahel. The visit is expected to result in new agreements on investment, trade, and development projects, further integrating the two economies.

The visit also addresses lingering issues from past disputes, including the 2021-2022 visa crisis, which saw France reduce visa issuance to Moroccans by half. Rabat responded by strengthening ties with other European partners, a move that highlighted the fragility of the bilateral relationship at the time. Since then, both sides have worked to restore trust and reinvigorate cooperation.

What’s next?

The visit culminates in a series of meetings between delegations, including a ceremony at the royal mausoleum and a bilateral summit. Several agreements are expected to be signed, covering areas such as migration, security, and defense. The visit concludes on Thursday, setting the stage for potential future engagements, including a historic state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris.

The strengthening of ties between France and Morocco reflects a broader geopolitical realignment in the region, with Paris seeking to secure its strategic interests while fostering stability in North Africa.