New bilateral treaty to reshape Morocco-France relations

France is seeking to establish a fresh framework for its ties with Morocco by drafting a landmark bilateral treaty. The agreement aims to redefine long-term cooperation between the two nations while equipping them to tackle the challenges of coming decades.

France and Morocco draft historic bilateral agreement

French Interior Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled this initiative on July 16 during a press briefing in Rabat, following the 15th high-level Franco-Moroccan meeting. The French delegation, led by Lecornu, included twelve ministers who engaged in discussions with their Moroccan counterparts.

“This treaty will mark France’s first bilateral agreement with a non-European Union country,” Lecornu stated in his official address. “It will establish a unique, stable, and ambitious framework to guide our shared future.”

A joint committee of French and Moroccan experts is currently refining the treaty’s content, ensuring it goes beyond symbolic gestures to create a robust foundation for collaboration.

Strengthening ties across key sectors

The treaty builds on the momentum of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024. Both governments are now focused on implementing the commitments made during that visit and launching new initiatives.

Key areas of enhanced cooperation include industry, energy, transportation, defense, security, agriculture, culture, and higher education. Additionally, both nations prioritize fostering mobility between their countries, particularly for entrepreneurs and students.

Lecornu also highlighted the joint efforts of Moroccan and French authorities in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration. A comprehensive security agreement is expected to further solidify this collaboration.

The French minister reiterated France’s unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, describing it as “non-negotiable.” He confirmed that this position would remain unchanged, emphasizing its implications for Morocco-France relations.