French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrives in Morocco this Thursday, July 16, leading a high-profile delegation of twelve ministers for an official visit that will culminate in the 15th Franco-Moroccan High-Level Meeting (RHN). The landmark event marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, following the last session held in Paris in December 2019.
The two-day program begins with bilateral talks between the Moroccan and French prime ministers, followed by sector-specific meetings between ministers. The RHN’s plenary session will see both governments present progress on their strategic partnership established in October 2024, addressing shared priorities across key areas.
The meeting concludes with a joint press conference and a luncheon hosted by King Mohammed VI. This gathering follows the French president’s October 2024 state visit to Rabat and precedes an upcoming Moroccan state visit to France, reinforcing the momentum in this longstanding alliance.
Key agreements set to be signed
A total of fifteen cooperation agreements are expected to be finalized during the RHN, spanning multiple critical sectors. These include:
- Transport infrastructure: Advancing plans for a new Regional Express Railway (RER) in Rabat, alongside broader rail network developments.
- Water management: Joint initiatives to address water scarcity and sustainability challenges.
- Energy transition: Exploring potential electric interconnection projects between Morocco and France, building on the 2024 energy cooperation framework.
- Defense collaboration: Strengthening arms and defense industry partnerships to enhance regional security.
- Cultural and creative industries: Launching artist residency programs, film and audiovisual exchanges, and a strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute and Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
A delegation of thirteen French officials
The French delegation, led by Sébastien Lecornu, includes:
- Laurent Nunez (Interior Minister)
- Catherine Vautrin (Defense and Veterans Affairs Minister)
- Roland Lescure (Economy, Finance, and Sovereignty Minister)
- Jean-Noël Barrot (Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister)
- Catherine Pégard (Culture Minister)
- Philippe Tabarot (Transport Minister)
- Anne Le Hénanff (AI and Digital Minister of State)
- Christian Cambon (Senator and Chair of the France-Morocco Friendship Group)
- Karim Ben Cheikh (Deputy and member of the France-Morocco Friendship Group)
In addition to official meetings, the delegation will pay respects at the Mohammed V Mausoleum by laying a wreath in honor of Morocco’s founding monarchs.
The RHN serves as a crucial step in preparing for future bilateral treaty negotiations, ensuring continued alignment between the two nations’ strategic goals.