Observers note a clear signal: both nations are determined to forge a lasting strategic partnership. The goal mirrors the historic 1963 Elysée Treaty between France and Germany, though adapted to reflect current realities.
The newly formed joint commission won’t negotiate the treaty itself—that remains the task of national governments—but will instead craft the foundational framework. This includes defining guiding principles, setting long-term strategic priorities for 2035–2040, establishing political dialogue mechanisms, and outlining key areas of cooperation across economics, security, defense, academia, and culture.
Replacing a legacy of independence
At its core, the proposed treaty aims to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud Agreement, which laid the groundwork for Morocco’s return to sovereignty after the end of the French protectorate on March 2, 1956. That earlier accord also enabled the restoration of King Mohammed V to the throne following his deportation on August 20, 1953. Today’s initiative seeks to elevate this relationship from historical ties to a forward-looking partnership of equals.
Four strategic pillars underpin the partnership
The first pillar centers on economic cooperation. France pledges substantial investments in Morocco’s automotive, rail, defense, and maritime industries, supporting modernization through cutting-edge technologies. In return, Rabat commits to granting French firms preferential access to major infrastructure projects and offering tailored fiscal incentives.
«A friendship treaty would bind France to a non-EU state at a time when Algeria has struggled for over twenty years to secure a comparable agreement, despite repeated attempts during the presidencies of Jacques Chirac, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Emmanuel Macron, and Abdelmadjid Tebboune.»
— Mustapha Sehimi
The second pillar focuses on security and defense cooperation. Plans include transferring military technologies to help Morocco become a regional hub for producing light and heavy equipment—such as aircraft, munitions, military vehicles, and armored systems. Joint training programs and intelligence-sharing initiatives will be expanded to address shared security challenges, particularly across the Sahel.
The cultural dimension forms the third pillar. France will maintain French as a key language in Morocco’s education system while supporting the growth of English as a global business language. Over 42,000 Moroccan students currently study in France, and the treaty aims to further expand educational exchanges. Twelve French cultural institutes currently operate in the country, with plans to open additional schools, especially in southern provinces.
The fourth pillar addresses geopolitics and long-term strategy. France will back Morocco’s key interests, including support for its autonomy plan for the Sahara, recognized by the UN Security Council in resolution 2797 (October 31, 2025). Paris will also advocate for Moroccan interests within EU institutions, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and broader bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Strengthening influence in West Africa
Beyond bilateral benefits, France hopes to leverage Morocco’s regional influence to strengthen its strategic presence in West Africa—a region where influence has waned over the past decade. By positioning Morocco as a regional hub, France aims to revitalize its engagement across energy, logistics, and security sectors.
Ultimately, this treaty carries profound symbolic and diplomatic weight. It would formalize a partnership between France and a non-EU African state at a time when similar agreements have eluded Algeria despite decades of effort. Morocco’s rise as an economic powerhouse, energy leader, and security actor makes it a natural partner for reshaping how Europe and Africa collaborate in the decades ahead.