France and Morocco deepen strategic partnership with landmark agreements
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded an official visit to Morocco this week, reaffirming Paris’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Rabat. The two-day diplomatic engagement, held in the Moroccan capital, culminated in the anticipated signing of a series of agreements designed to elevate cooperation across multiple sectors.
Expanding bilateral cooperation to new heights
Kicking off the 15th High-Level Meeting between France and Morocco, Prime Minister Lecornu described the discussions as a «pivotal moment» in the countries’ diplomatic history. He emphasized the need to «scale up» cooperation, particularly in areas such as counterterrorism, regional security, and joint initiatives across the African continent. Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of «accelerating the implementation» of commitments made under the 2024 Enhanced Exceptional Partnership.
Fifteen agreements poised to reshape economic and security ties
The landmark visit produced agreements spanning economic development, security collaboration, migration management, cultural exchange, and defense initiatives. Among the most notable projects is the planned expansion of the Rabat Regional Express Network (RER), alongside new defense partnerships and enhanced cultural cooperation programs. The visit also sets the stage for a potential state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, with discussions underway for a groundbreaking «unprecedented» friendship treaty.
Navigating challenges amid diplomatic momentum
The strengthened partnership comes despite ongoing controversies, including recent reports alleging Morocco’s use of the Pegasus spyware. While neither the French government nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed these claims, both sides maintained their focus on advancing the bilateral agenda. The visit follows France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, which has contributed to a period of diplomatic rapprochement between the two nations.