In Rabat, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch underscored the renewed confidence between their nations during a high-level meeting on July 16, 2026. The visit marked a significant step in restoring diplomatic harmony, a process initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI following a period of strained relations.
The breakthrough came in the summer of 2024, when Macron recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a move that drew strong criticism from neighboring Algeria. This gesture paved the way for Macron’s subsequent state visit to Rabat in October 2024, which effectively ended nearly three years of tensions—fueled by espionage allegations and visa restrictions.
a strengthened partnership with ambitious goals
Lecornu described the outcomes of the meeting as “exceptionally positive,” highlighting the signing of a groundbreaking partnership agreement—the first of its kind between France and a non-EU nation. While no date has been set for the Moroccan monarch’s visit to France, the framework for future collaboration appears solid.
Accompanied by twelve French ministers, including Foreign Affairs and Interior officials, Lecornu emphasized the need to “scale up” bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and counterterrorism. The two delegations held their first high-level dialogue since 2019, culminating in over a dozen agreements, including initiatives on renewable energy and infrastructure development.
security and regional stability in focus
France’s shifting strategy in the Maghreb reflects a growing alignment with Morocco over Algeria, especially in addressing security challenges in the Sahel. Lecornu praised the “unprecedented operational successes” achieved through enhanced intelligence-sharing between French and Moroccan agencies in combating organized crime and drug trafficking.
Morocco’s Prime Minister welcomed the deepened partnership, calling it a “strategic vision built on shared trust and common ambition.” The two sides also discussed easing visa policies for Moroccan entrepreneurs and students, aiming to strengthen people-to-people exchanges across the Mediterranean.
addressing controversies amid progress
Despite the positive momentum, tensions lingered over reports of Morocco’s alleged use of the Pegasus spyware system, which Rabat has consistently denied. French officials dismissed the issue as outdated, focusing instead on the broader trajectory of bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, France’s renewed focus on the African continent—particularly the Sahel—underscores the importance of Morocco as a key regional ally. With Algeria’s intelligence cooperation remaining limited, Paris appears poised to deepen its collaboration with Rabat in security and economic initiatives.
The visit concluded with the launch of an electric interconnection project and financing agreements for a new Rabat regional express rail line, further cementing economic ties between the two nations.