Morocco and France are set to elevate their bilateral partnership during the 15th High-Level Meeting (RHN) in Rabat, led by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. This gathering marks a crucial milestone in the diplomatic calendar since the framework was established in 1997, with the last session held in Paris in December 2019.

The meeting arrives at a pivotal moment in the reframing of Franco-Moroccan relations, a process initiated nearly two years ago. It provides both governments with a platform to discuss shared priorities within the framework of the “enhanced exceptional partnership” signed in October 2024.

The visit commences with bilateral talks between the French and Moroccan Prime Ministers, followed by parallel meetings between respective ministers to review progress across key cooperation areas.

The plenary session, jointly chaired by both heads of government, will feature presentations from each ministerial team outlining bilateral outcomes and setting joint priorities for the coming years. The event will conclude with a press conference by the foreign ministers and the signing of several cooperation agreements.

Following the formal proceedings, King Mohammed VI will host a luncheon in honor of the visiting delegation, underscoring the depth of Morocco-France relations.

Strategic agreements across key sectors

Approximately 15 agreements are expected to be finalized during this session, spanning critical sectors such as decentralized cooperation, railway infrastructure including the proposed Regional Express Network (RER) in Rabat, water management, development in the Casablanca-Settat region, civil aviation, culture, and education.

Energy cooperation will also take center stage, with discussions on potential electric interconnection projects between Morocco and France. This aligns with the strategic energy partnership focused on connectivity and transition, as outlined during the French president’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024.

Defense collaboration will be another focal point, with plans to strengthen dialogue around defense procurement and industrial cooperation to explore new opportunities.

Cultural exchanges are set to expand, featuring initiatives such as artist residency programs, enhanced collaboration in cinema, audiovisual content, and video games, alongside a strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute and Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

French delegation: 13 ministers and parliamentary leaders

Prime Minister Lecornu will be accompanied by twelve cabinet members, including Laurent Nunez (Minister of Interior), Catherine Vautrin (Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans), Roland Lescure (Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial Sovereignty), Jean-Noël Barrot (Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs), Catherine Pégard (Minister of Culture), Philippe Tabarot (Minister of Transport), and Anne Le Hénanff (Delegate Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs).

The delegation also includes Senator Christian Cambon, Chair of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the Senate, and Deputy Karim Ben Cheikh, who will meet with leaders of Morocco’s parliamentary chambers.

A solemn moment is scheduled at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where the delegation will pay respects and lay a wreath in tribute to the architects of modern Morocco.

This 15th High-Level Meeting follows President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Rabat in October 2024 and precedes the upcoming Moroccan state visit to France. The discussions aim to lay the groundwork for a future bilateral treaty, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.