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Morocco and France launched a high-level ministerial meeting in Rabat on Thursday, aiming to bolster their bilateral relationship. This gathering signals a new chapter in ties, significantly improved since French President Emmanuel Macron recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara in the summer of 2024. That recognition marked an end to three years of strained relations, followed by a warm welcome for Macron during an official visit to Rabat in October 2024.

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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.

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met with his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, who arrived with 12 ministers. Akhannouch described the partnership as "exceptional," built on "strong political convergence, renewed economic momentum, and a shared determination to prepare for and build the future together." He emphasized that the relationship extends beyond strategic and economic dimensions, rooted in "deep conviction" and the "richness of the human ties between our societies."

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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.

Lecornu expressed France's desire to deepen ties, particularly in security and counterterrorism, highlighting "shared interests" across Africa. He stated that the large ministerial delegation signifies a goal to achieve a "qualitative leap" in their bilateral relationship. The anticipated state visit by King Mohammed VI to France could result in the signing of a "unique friendship treaty," according to Lecornu, going beyond existing "enhanced exceptional partnership" agreements.

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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 also focused on strengthening cooperation within the European Union and aligning interests across the African continent. The joint intergovernmental meeting, the 15th of its kind, underscores the commitment to advancing a relationship that benefits both nations and contributes to broader regional stability.

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a unique friendship treaty