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Morocco and France have launched a significant ministerial meeting in Rabat, signaling a new era of strengthened bilateral relations. The gathering, attended by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu, aims to build upon the "enhanced exceptional partnership" established after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit in 2024. This improved relationship followed France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, ending a period of strained ties.

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the exceptional partnership between Morocco and France, established during President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the Kingdom in October 2024, has opened a new chapter in relations between our two countries. It has laid the foundation for an ambitious future built on strong political convergence, renewed economic momentum, and a shared determination to prepare for and build the future together.

Akhannouch highlighted the "exceptional partnership" as a foundation for an ambitious future, driven by political convergence, economic momentum, and a shared vision. He emphasized that the bond extends beyond strategic and economic dimensions, rooted in the rich human connections between their societies, including contributions from students, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and the diaspora.

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the enhanced exceptional partnership between Morocco and France is founded not only on strategic and economic dimensions, but also on a deep conviction rooted in the richness of the human ties between our societies. Students, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and members of our diaspora all contribute to bringing our peoples closer together and enriching our cultures.

French Prime Minister Lecornu, leading a delegation of 12 ministers, expressed France's desire for a "qualitative leap" in bilateral relations. He stressed the importance of deepening cooperation, particularly in security and counterterrorism, and noted their "shared interests" across Africa. The visit precedes an anticipated state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, where a "unique friendship treaty" might be signed, potentially going beyond existing partnership agreements.

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The significance of our presence here today, accompanied by such a large ministerial delegation, is our desire to achieve a qualitative leap in our bilateral relationship - a transformation that will benefit both our countries and others as well. This also applies to our relationship with the European Union and to our shared and aligned interests across the African continent.

The meeting underscores a mutual commitment to advancing cooperation, with both leaders expressing optimism about the future trajectory of their countries' relationship and its broader implications for regional stability and shared interests.

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a unique friendship treaty