France and Morocco deepen strategic alliance with fresh cooperation deals

The French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu wrapped up an official visit to Rabat with a clear message: France and Morocco are entering a new phase of their bilateral partnership. A series of strategic accords, numbering around fifteen, are set to be signed to cement ties that have been steadily strengthening since early 2024.

Partnership poised to ‘scale up’ after landmark summit

Kicking off the 15th High-Level Meeting between France and Morocco, Sébastien Lecornu described the occasion as a « turning point » in bilateral relations. He emphasized the need to « scale up » cooperation, particularly in security, counter-terrorism, and joint initiatives across Africa. Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of accelerating the implementation of commitments made under the exceptional strengthened partnership signed in 2024.

Fifteen key agreements on the horizon

Both governments are finalizing a package of approximately fifteen agreements spanning economic, security, migration, cultural, and defense sectors. Key projects include the development of a Regional Express Railway (RER) line in Rabat, defense partnerships, and new cultural exchanges. The visit may also lay the groundwork for an upcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, where a « groundbreaking » friendship treaty is expected to be signed, as described by Lecornu.

Strategic alignment continues despite scrutiny

The visit takes place at a time of improved Franco-Moroccan relations, following France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. However, the trip is overshadowed by fresh reports from a media consortium alleging Morocco’s use of the Pegasus spyware. Neither the French government nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commented on these claims, reaffirming their commitment to deepening ties with Rabat.