France is seeking to redefine its long-standing partnership with Morocco by introducing a comprehensive bilateral treaty. The two nations are collaborating to establish a robust framework for future cooperation, designed to address the evolving challenges of the coming decades.

French Interior Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled this strategic initiative during a press conference in Rabat on July 16, concluding the 15th High-Level Franco-Moroccan Meeting. The French delegation, led by Lecornu and comprising twelve ministers, engaged with their Moroccan counterparts to finalize the treaty’s contours.

«This landmark agreement will serve as a unique, stable, and ambitious foundation for our shared future,» Lecornu stated in a government communication. Notably, this will be the first bilateral treaty France signs with a non-EU nation, underscoring the depth of the bilateral relationship.

Bridging Morocco and France: a partnership poised for transformation

The initiative builds on the momentum generated during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024. Both governments are now tasked with translating the commitments made during that visit into tangible, large-scale projects.

Key focus areas include industrial collaboration, energy sector development, transport infrastructure, defense, security, agricultural innovation, cultural exchange, and higher education. Enhanced mobility for entrepreneurs and students is also a central pillar of the proposed treaty.

Lecornu highlighted the strong cooperation between Moroccan and French authorities in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration. A comprehensive security accord is in the works to further solidify this joint effort.

The French government reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, describing it as «inalterable.» Paris pledged to uphold this position consistently, ensuring it shapes all aspects of its bilateral relations with Morocco.