The French Embassy in Rabat marked France’s National Day with a high-profile gathering, bringing together Moroccan government officials, business leaders, civil society figures, and media representatives. The event highlighted the deepening bonds between the two nations, now under the leadership of France’s new ambassador, Philippe Lalliot.

The reception, held on July 14, was the first major diplomatic engagement for Ambassador Lalliot since presenting his credentials to King Mohammed VI in early June. Reflecting on his early months in Morocco, he emphasized the country’s “steady strength”—a nation rooted in tradition yet driven by forward-looking ambition.

Diplomatic engagement and cultural ties

Ambassador Lalliot’s remarks underscored the vitality of Morocco-France relations, pointing to his recent travels across Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, and Laâyoune. In the latter, he inaugurated the first Alliance Française, a move he described as a step toward expanding cultural cooperation between the two countries.

He also celebrated the strong human connections between the two peoples, citing examples of solidarity between Moroccan and French supporters following their World Cup quarterfinal clash. “This shared spirit,” he noted, “is a testament to the uniqueness of Moroccan-French friendship.”

Political and strategic alignment

The ambassador paid tribute to his predecessor, Christophe Lecourtier, whose tenure saw a significant revival in bilateral ties. He then turned to one of the most sensitive issues in the relationship: the Sahara question. Lalliot reiterated France’s unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, aligning with President Emmanuel Macron’s 2024 letter to King Mohammed VI. “For France,” he stated, “the future of the Sahara is inseparable from Morocco’s sovereignty.”

He also highlighted the alignment of Moroccan and French diplomacy on core international principles, reinforcing the strategic nature of their partnership.

Economic and security cooperation

France remains Morocco’s top foreign investor and employer, a fact Lalliot emphasized as proof of the economic depth of their relationship. Beyond trade, security cooperation was also a focal point, with Morocco playing a key role in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and irregular migration—thus contributing to France’s safety.

This momentum is set to accelerate with the upcoming 15th High-Level Meeting in Rabat on July 16, where French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will lead a delegation of twelve ministers. The gathering will build on nearly 40 ministerial visits over the past two years, signaling a robust political dialogue.

The evening’s discussions also previewed an unprecedented initiative: a friendship treaty between Morocco and France—an initiative Lalliot described as historic for Paris in its dealings with a non-European nation. The treaty is expected to be formally celebrated during a future state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, marking another milestone in a relationship now firmly oriented toward the future.