French diplomacy has shifted its focus to Morocco, marking a new phase in Franco-Maghreb relations. This strategic pivot comes ahead of a high-profile two-day visit to the Kingdom by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on July 15 and 16—his first international trip since assuming office.
During his visit, Lecornu, accompanied by a delegation including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, will engage in bilateral talks with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. The discussions will culminate in a joint press conference, followed by an official luncheon to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Key engagements and diplomatic symbolism
The itinerary includes a high-level meeting between French and Moroccan officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Mohammed V Mausoleum. These gestures underscore the depth of the bilateral relationship, with Lecornu previously praising the exceptional quality of police and judicial cooperation between the two nations.
In a statement to the Senate, Lecornu highlighted the robust partnership with Morocco, emphasizing the Kingdom’s role as a key ally in regional security and stability. His remarks came amid growing recognition of Morocco’s strategic importance in the Maghreb and beyond.
Parliamentary diplomacy reinforces ties
A Moroccan parliamentary delegation, led by Mohamed Zidouh, President of the Morocco-France Friendship Group in the Chamber of Counsellors, engaged with French lawmakers, including European Parliament Vice-Presidents François-Xavier Bellamy (EPP) and Pierre Jouvet (S&D), as well as Fabienne Keller, the Parliament’s questor.
Bellamy commended Morocco’s exemplary progress in development, openness, and dynamism, urging the European Union to acknowledge the Kingdom’s credible and committed efforts. He also reiterated France’s stance on Morocco’s territorial integrity, affirming support for the Sahrawi issue within international law.
Jouvet, for his part, described Morocco as an indispensable geopolitical partner for both France and Europe, stressing the need to consolidate and preserve the partnership’s achievements.