France prioritizes Morocco in Maghreb diplomacy amid high-level talks

France has elevated Morocco to the top of its diplomatic priorities in the Maghreb, signaling a clear shift in its regional strategy. This pivotal move comes ahead of a two-day official visit by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Rabat, where he is leading a high-powered delegation of ministers and officials.

Lecornu’s visit—his first overseas trip since assuming office—marks a significant diplomatic engagement. Among his key meetings, he will hold bilateral talks with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch in the afternoon, followed by a joint press conference. The agenda also includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mohammed V Mausoleum and a formal luncheon to conclude the visit.

Accompanying Lecornu is a delegation of over a dozen ministers, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Their discussions with Moroccan counterparts will focus on reinforcing cooperation in areas such as security, justice, and parliamentary diplomacy. Earlier in Paris, Lecornu had praised the “exceptional quality of police and judicial cooperation” with Morocco, underscoring the strength of the bilateral partnership.

Parliamentary ties take center stage

The visit also highlights the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping France-Morocco relations. A delegation of Moroccan lawmakers, led by Mohamed Zidouh, President of the Morocco-France Friendship Group in the Chamber of Counsellors, met with French and European parliamentarians in Paris. Among them were François-Xavier Bellamy, Vice-President of the European People’s Party Group, Pierre Jouvet, Vice-President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and Fabienne Keller, Quaestor of the European Parliament.

Bellamy emphasized the “depth of friendship and cooperation” between the two nations, hailing Morocco as a model of openness and development. He also stressed the need for the European Union to acknowledge Morocco’s “credible and committed efforts” in its multi-faceted progress, particularly in areas like renewable energy and economic reform.

On the question of Morocco’s territorial integrity, Bellamy reaffirmed France’s stance, stating that Paris recognizes “the Moroccan identity of the Sahara” and does so in full compliance with international law. Jouvet, meanwhile, described Morocco as an “indispensable geopolitical partner” for both France and Europe, calling for deeper collaboration to safeguard the partnership’s achievements.