french prime minister’s maiden foreign trips: qatar then Morocco

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has embarked on his first official foreign visits since taking office in Matignon, marking a significant step in his diplomatic agenda. The government’s leader arrived in Doha on Tuesday, where he paid his respects to the late emir of Qatar, cheikh Hamad ben Khalifa al-Thani, who passed away at 74 after ruling the country from 1995 to 2013.

Accompanied by former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Lecornu delivered France’s condolences during a solemn ceremony that took place Sunday evening. The Élysée had emphasized the late emir’s pivotal role in modernizing Qatar and fostering a dynamic, effective diplomacy.

strengthening ties with Morocco

Following his visit to Qatar, Prime Minister Lecornu will continue his diplomatic tour in Rabat, Morocco, where he will meet with local authorities from Wednesday evening through Thursday. The French delegation includes a dozen ministers, such as Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

Key discussions with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch are scheduled, marking the first high-level meeting between the two governments since 2019. The visit aims to solidify the already flourishing relationship between France and Morocco, which has seen significant improvements since President Emmanuel Macron recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory in the summer of 2024—a move that strained relations with Algeria.

This diplomatic thaw culminated in a three-day state visit by President Macron to Rabat in October 2024, concluding with the signing of multiple agreements and putting an end to three years of tension, fueled by espionage allegations and visa disputes. The next milestone could be a state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, potentially accompanied by the signing of a treaty establishing an “exceptional” French-Moroccan partnership.