France Morocco lecornu Rabat strategic ties deepen

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on Wednesday evening for a two-day official visit designed to reinforce the strategic partnership between France and Morocco, amid growing diplomatic rapprochement.

Welcomed by Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, Lecornu is accompanied by a delegation of twelve French ministers. This visit follows a period of sometimes strained relations between Paris and Rabat, as both nations seek to deepen their cooperation.

During his stay, Sébastien Lecornu and Aziz Akhannouch will hold a bilateral meeting before co-chairing the 15th High-Level Franco-Moroccan Meeting. This political and economic dialogue framework, considered one of the key consultation mechanisms between the two countries, has not convened since 2019.

Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic exchanges, developing cross-border investments, enhancing security and defense cooperation, and addressing energy, infrastructure, and ecological transition challenges.

According to French and Moroccan authorities, around fifteen agreements are expected to be signed during this visit.

These agreements cover civil aviation, water management, strategic infrastructure, electricity interconnection, security cooperation, and several cultural projects.

In the cultural sphere, both parties are set to finalize a strategic partnership between the Arab World Institute in Paris and Morocco’s Ministry of Culture, aimed at strengthening artistic, heritage, and academic exchanges between the two nations.