French prime minister lecornu’s maiden foreign tour qatar Morocco
In a significant diplomatic debut as France’s new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu embarked on his first official overseas visits this week, beginning with a poignant mission to Doha. His arrival in the Qatari capital on Tuesday marked the start of a carefully planned two-nation tour designed to strengthen France’s international alliances.
Lecornu’s first stop was driven by both protocol and sentiment. Tasked by President Emmanuel Macron to convey France’s deepest condolences, he joined former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in paying respects to the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the revered Qatari leader who passed away at the age of 74. The former Emir, who ruled from 1995 to 2013 before voluntarily ceding power to his fourth son, was remembered for transforming Qatar into a modern, globally influential nation through bold reforms and innovative diplomacy. His funeral took place the previous evening in Doha.
The Prime Minister’s presence in Qatar underscored the enduring ties between Paris and Doha, particularly in energy, defense, and regional stability. The French government highlighted the late Emir’s legacy as a catalyst for Qatar’s modernization and its emergence as a key player on the world stage.
strengthening ties with Morocco in Rabat
Following his brief sojourn in Qatar, Sébastien Lecornu landed in Rabat on Wednesday evening, accompanied by a high-level delegation that included twelve ministers—among them Foreign Affairs chief Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The visit, set to last until Thursday, represents a pivotal moment in Franco-Moroccan relations, building on recent diplomatic breakthroughs.
At the heart of the agenda: a landmark meeting with Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, the first high-level government-to-government dialogue since 2019. This encounter comes after a period of renewed cooperation, catalyzed by President Macron’s historic recognition in summer 2024 of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara—a move that drew sharp criticism from Algiers. The gesture was reciprocated with a lavish three-day state visit by Macron to Rabat in October 2024, which concluded with the signing of multiple bilateral agreements, effectively ending three years of strained relations marked by espionage allegations and visa disputes.
Looking ahead, both nations are preparing for a potential milestone: a state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, expected to include the signing of a landmark treaty establishing a new era of exceptional partnership between the two countries.
