French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu embarks on historic Morocco visit

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to make his first official international trip since taking office, with a landmark visit to Morocco scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

This groundbreaking journey follows his prominent appearance alongside President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron during the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Élysées. The Prime Minister will co-chair the 15th edition of the Franco-Moroccan intergovernmental seminar, known as the Haut Niveau Meeting (RHN), in Rabat at the invitation of Morocco’s government.

Diplomatic thaw paves way for high-level cooperation

Lecornu will be accompanied by twelve ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The delegation will meet with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

This meeting marks a significant diplomatic thaw after years of strained relations. The last RHN was held in 2019, just before a period of diplomatic tension between France and Morocco. Relations have since improved considerably, culminating in President Macron’s state visit to Rabat in October 2024. During that visit, France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory.

Summer work ethic: Ministers urged to balance rest and duty

While July remains a busy month for the French government, August typically offers ministers some respite. However, Prime Minister Lecornu has issued a specific directive to his cabinet members: “Take your summer breaks, but avoid extended vacations”.

The Prime Minister, known for his aversion to long breaks, has himself planned to split his August between Paris and Vernon in the Eure region, with “a few vacation assignments” to attend to. This approach reflects his commitment to maintaining government operations even during the summer period.