France and Morocco deepen strategic ties in Rabat talks

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded a landmark two-day visit to Rabat this week, marking a decisive step in the revitalization of Franco-Moroccan relations. The visit, which included high-level meetings with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and a ceremonial reception at the Royal Mausoleum, underscored a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The visit follows a period of renewed diplomatic momentum that began in 2024, when French President Emmanuel Macron publicly endorsed Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara. This landmark declaration, which drew sharp criticism from Algeria, paved the way for Macron’s state visit to Rabat later that year—a trip that restored bilateral ties after years of tension, including disputes over espionage allegations and visa restrictions.

New chapter in bilateral relations

During his visit, Lecornu emphasized the need to “elevate the relationship to a new level,” focusing on enhanced collaboration in security, counterterrorism, and African policy. The two governments are preparing to sign a package of 15 agreements, covering sectors such as transportation, defense, migration, and culture. Among the key projects is a proposed Rabat regional express rail network (RER), alongside defense partnerships that could include joint arms development initiatives.

The visit also revived the Haut Niveau dialogue mechanism—a bilateral forum dormant since 2019—with both sides acknowledging a “pivotal moment” in their partnership. Morocco’s government, represented by spokesperson Mustapha Baitas, stressed the urgency of implementing commitments made in the 2024 partnership agreement and preparing for future milestones.

Security and intelligence remain key topics

The timing of the visit coincides with renewed scrutiny over intelligence-sharing practices. In 2021, Morocco faced allegations—denied by Rabat—of using the Pegasus spyware to infiltrate the phones of French officials, including then-minister Lecornu. Recent investigations by international media outlets have reignited concerns about cyber espionage, though neither the Élysée Palace nor the Quai d’Orsay has issued a public response to these claims.

Despite these sensitivities, both countries are aligning more closely on regional security, particularly in the Sahel, where jihadist threats persist. France is increasingly looking to Morocco as a strategic partner in counterterrorism efforts, especially as cooperation with Algeria remains constrained by lingering diplomatic frictions.

A vision for deeper partnership

Lecornu hinted at the possibility of a historic “treaty of exceptional friendship” between the two nations, while also proposing that Morocco serve as a key “anchoring port” for enhanced EU-Morocco relations. Meanwhile, the Moroccan monarchy, in a message to Paris on Bastille Day, praised the “strengthening of privileged ties” between the two countries.

The visit concluded with a series of symbolic gestures, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the tombs of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, followed by a joint press statement that avoided detailed Q&A sessions. With 12 French ministers accompanying Lecornu, the delegation underscored the breadth of sectors under consideration for deeper integration.