Embarking on his first diplomatic mission since assuming office at Hôtel de Matignon, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrives in Rabat accompanied by a high-level delegation. The group includes over a dozen ministers, with Foreign Affairs chief Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez among the key participants.
deepening bilateral cooperation
This landmark intergovernmental meeting represents the first of its kind between France and Morocco in five years, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening ties. Following a stopover in Doha, the visit underscores the strategic importance of the Franco-Moroccan partnership, with multiple working sessions planned to enhance collaboration across sectors.
key discussions on security and justice
Laurent Nuñez will hold separate talks with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftit, to address pressing security concerns. Among the priorities is the potential extradition of Ismaël Benahmed, a dual French-Moroccan national wanted in connection with a 2019 homicide investigation in Paris.
diplomatic thaw between Paris and Rabat
Bilateral relations have seen significant improvement since mid-2024, when France officially endorsed Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara. This move, which strained ties with Algeria, has paved the way for closer cooperation between Paris and Rabat.