France and Morocco strengthen ties in Rabat meeting
In Rabat, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch highlighted the renewed trust between their nations during a high-level meeting on July 16, 2026. The visit marked a significant step forward in bilateral relations, following years of strained ties.
The two leaders emphasized the exceptionally positive state of Franco-Moroccan cooperation, particularly after President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in mid-2024. This historic gesture, which sparked sharp criticism from Algeria, paved the way for Macron’s official visit to Rabat later that year—a visit that officially ended tensions rooted in espionage allegations and visa restrictions.
The bilateral partnership has since flourished, culminating in a reinforced exceptional agreement signed during Macron’s visit. While the relationship continues to strengthen, recent investigations by an international media consortium reignited concerns over alleged Moroccan espionage using the Pegasus software—a claim Rabat has consistently dismissed as unfounded.
During the visit, Lecornu and Akhannouch initially planned a press briefing but scaled it down to pre-prepared statements without an interactive session, leaving no room for questions. The French delegation later downplayed the espionage allegations, framing them as outdated issues.
Beyond standard agreements
Lecornu described the meeting as a turning point in Franco-Moroccan relations, aiming to elevate cooperation across security and counterterrorism. He commended the excellent collaboration between French and Moroccan intelligence services, which recently led to unprecedented operational successes against organized crime and drug trafficking.
With Algeria’s reluctance to share intelligence despite resumed cooperation, France is now turning to Morocco for greater collaboration in the Sahel, where jihadist threats persist. The 15th high-level dialogue—the first since 2019—also addressed visa policies, with Lecornu announcing efforts to streamline circular mobility between the two nations, particularly for entrepreneurs and students.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, in a message to Macron on Bastille Day, praised the consolidation of the two countries’ privileged relationship. The potential for a landmark treaty, the first France would sign outside the EU, remains on the table, though no dates have been set for the monarch’s anticipated visit to Paris.
Lecornu, accompanied by 12 ministers, including Foreign Affairs and Interior, underscored the central role of Africa in their shared strategy. Both nations face growing jihadist threats in the Sahel and share a common interest in deeper engagement there. Akhannouch echoed this sentiment, hailing a partnership built on shared strategic vision, renewed trust, and mutual ambition.
Twelve agreements were signed during the visit, including a call for expressions of interest in cross-border electricity interconnection and financing conventions with France’s development agency for water projects and a Rabat regional express train line.
Security and economic ties take center stage
The French Prime Minister’s delegation also engaged in discussions on security, counterterrorism, and economic collaboration, reinforcing Morocco’s position as France’s top priority in the Maghreb. Paris is no longer prioritizing a balanced approach with Algeria, shifting its focus toward stronger ties with Rabat.
As both nations move forward, the visit underscored a commitment to deepening cooperation—despite lingering controversies—signaling a new chapter in Franco-Moroccan relations.
