In a landmark display of renewed diplomatic cooperation, France and Morocco showcased their restored confidence during a high-profile visit by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Rabat on July 16, 2026.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu (left) and Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch at a press conference in Rabat
Diplomatic breakthrough was the key theme of the visit, marking a significant shift from years of strained relations. The turning point came in summer 2024 when the French government officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a move that drew sharp criticism from Algiers and paved the way for reconciliation.
Following this historic gesture, President Emmanuel Macron received a lavish welcome in Rabat in October 2024, effectively ending three years of diplomatic friction rooted in espionage allegations and visa restrictions. The visit culminated in substantial contracts and the signing of an exceptional strengthened partnership.
Strategic partnership takes shape
Lecornu’s delegation, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, underscored the depth of bilateral cooperation. The two nations held their 15th high-level meeting—the first since 2019—signaling a new chapter in their relationship.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch embrace after a joint press briefing
The French PM hailed a “pivotal moment” in bilateral relations, emphasizing the need to “scale up cooperation” across key areas such as security and counterterrorism. He also highlighted unprecedented operational successes in combating organized crime and drug trafficking, crediting close Franco-Moroccan intelligence collaboration.
Lecornu reassured that France is now working to “facilitate circular mobility”—especially for entrepreneurs and students—addressing past tensions over visa policies that had sparked controversy in 2021 and 2022.
A first-of-its-kind treaty
Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch described the partnership as now anchored in a shared strategic vision, built on mutual trust and common ambition. He emphasized that the relationship has evolved beyond routine diplomacy into a “historic alliance”.
The visit also paved the way for a potential state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, which could lead to the signing of a groundbreaking treaty—the first such agreement France would conclude with a non-EU nation. While no date has been set, the prospect underscores the depth of the evolving partnership.