French prime minister lecornu leads high-level Morocco visit with 15 key agreements
France and Morocco are set to deepen their strategic partnership during a landmark high-level meeting in Rabat this Thursday, July 16. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will lead a high-powered delegation of twelve ministers for the 15th Franco-Moroccan High-Level Meeting (RHN), marking a significant step in bilateral relations.
Strengthening Franco-Moroccan ties through strategic dialogue
The 15th RHN follows nearly two years of efforts to revitalize Franco-Moroccan relations, building on the “enhanced exceptional partnership” agreement signed in October 2024. This meeting serves as a crucial platform to assess progress and set the agenda for future collaboration.
The day will commence with bilateral talks between the two Prime Ministers, followed by sectoral meetings where French and Moroccan ministers will explore avenues for cooperation. The plenary session, co-chaired by both heads of government, will review bilateral achievements and outline shared priorities for the coming years.
The meeting will conclude with a joint press conference and a working lunch hosted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, chaired by the Moroccan Prime Minister.
Fifteen agreements across critical sectors
France and Morocco are poised to sign approximately fifteen bilateral agreements covering key areas of cooperation. These include:
- Decentralized cooperation and regional development initiatives
- Transport infrastructure, notably the Rabat Regional Express Rail (RER) project
- Water resource management and sustainable development in the Casablanca-Settat region
- Aviation safety and civil aviation collaboration
- Cultural exchange programs, including artistic residencies and film industry partnerships
- Education and digital technology, with a focus on artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty
The energy sector remains a priority, with discussions underway on potential electric interconnection projects between Morocco and France. This aligns with the strategic energy cooperation framework established during the French President’s state visit in October 2024.
Defense collaboration will also take center stage, as both nations seek to expand opportunities in arms procurement and defense industry cooperation.
Delegation composition and diplomatic engagements
Prime Minister Lecornu will be accompanied by a thirteen-member delegation, including:
- Laurent Nunez (Minister of the Interior)
- Catherine Vautrin (Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs)
- 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)
- Anne Le Hénanff (Delegate Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs)
The delegation also includes Christian Cambon, Chairman of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the French Senate, and Karim Ben Cheikh, a member of the National Assembly, who will meet with their counterparts in Morocco’s parliamentary chambers.
In a gesture of respect, the delegation will pay tribute at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, honoring the architects of modern Morocco.
Preparing for the future of bilateral relations
This high-level meeting comes between two landmark state visits: the French President’s trip to Rabat in October 2024 and the upcoming Moroccan King’s visit to France. The outcomes of this RHN will help shape the next phase of cooperation, including preparations for a future bilateral treaty.
