Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu embarks on first international tour since taking office
The newly appointed French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, is set to make his inaugural foreign trip this week, with Rabat as his primary destination. His two-day visit—scheduled for July 15 and 16—marks a significant step in reinforcing the strong diplomatic and economic ties between France and Morocco.
High-level meetings to advance strategic partnerships
Accompanied by a delegation of key ministers, including Foreign Affairs representative Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Lecornu will engage in high-stakes discussions with Morocco’s Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch. This bilateral summit, the first of its kind since 2019, aims to consolidate cooperation across multiple sectors.
Agenda highlights: security, economy, and migration
The visit will commence with a ceremonial welcome and a solemn tribute at the royal mausoleum, honoring the legacy of King Mohammed V and Hassan II. Following this, an official meeting will take place at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where several landmark agreements are expected to be signed. These documents will cover critical areas such as:
- Economic collaboration: Strengthening trade and investment flows between the two nations.
- Migration governance: Enhancing frameworks for legal migration and addressing cross-border challenges.
- Defense cooperation: Deepening security partnerships to combat regional threats.
- Judicial matters: Discussions on the potential extradition of Ismael Benahmed, a Franco-Moroccan national detained in Morocco on suspicion of involvement in a 2019 homicide in Paris.
Lecornu’s itinerary will culminate in a formal luncheon hosted by King Mohammed VI, underscoring the warmth and importance of this diplomatic engagement.
Diplomatic thaw and future prospects
This visit follows a notable thaw in Franco-Moroccan relations, catalyzed by France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory—a move that strained ties with Algeria. The improved climate was further solidified during President Macron’s state visit to Rabat in October 2024, which yielded a series of trade and investment agreements.
Analysts view this rapprochement as a strategic shift, with France prioritizing Morocco over its traditionally balanced approach to regional diplomacy. “The relationship has never been stronger. Now, it’s about harvesting the benefits of this newfound trust,” noted a Geneva-based expert on Maghreb affairs.
The visit also sets the stage for a potential historic visit by King Mohammed VI to France, where a “groundbreaking partnership treaty” could be formalized. While no date has been confirmed, officials from both countries have signaled their intent to solidify this alliance, last seen in 2000.
For Lecornu, this trip represents more than a diplomatic formality—it’s a reaffirmation of France’s commitment to strengthening ties with key Maghreb partners in a post-crisis era.
