France’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has embarked on his first official international visits since taking office at Matignon. His itinerary includes stops in Doha and Rabat, where he aims to reinforce key diplomatic ties.
The Prime Minister arrived in Qatar on Tuesday to convey France’s condolences following the passing of the country’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The late ruler, who governed from 1995 to 2013, left a lasting legacy of modernization and innovative diplomacy, as noted by the Élysée Palace.
Accompanied by former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Lecornu attended the state funeral held on Sunday evening, marking a significant moment in Qatar-France relations. The visit underscores the deep friendship between the two nations, with French President Emmanuel Macron personally endorsing the trip as a gesture of solidarity.
Strengthening ties with Morocco in Rabat
Following his brief stop in Doha, Lecornu will proceed to Morocco on Wednesday evening, where he will engage in high-level discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. The visit, scheduled over two days, includes meetings with Moroccan officials, including Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and a delegation of twelve French ministers.
This visit represents the first high-profile governmental exchange since 2019, signaling a thaw in relations after years of diplomatic strain. The improvement follows Macron’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a move that strained ties with Algeria but paved the way for renewed collaboration.
Key topics on the agenda include economic partnerships, security cooperation, and the potential for a landmark treaty that could elevate bilateral relations to an exceptional level. A state visit by King Mohammed VI to France is also anticipated, with both sides expected to sign agreements formalizing their strategic alliance.
The French delegation, led by Lecornu, reflects the country’s commitment to restoring and strengthening its influence in North Africa and the Middle East. With a focus on economic and political stability, these diplomatic efforts aim to solidify France’s role as a key partner in the region.