Morocco, France Boost Ties at High-Level Ministerial Meeting

Morocco and France are reinforcing their partnership with a high-level ministerial meeting in Rabat, signaling a new era of cooperation. The gathering, attended by Prime Ministers Aziz Akhannouch and Sébastien Lecornu along with 12 ministers, aims to build on the significantly improved relations between the two nations.

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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.

Relations saw a major turnaround following French President Emmanuel Macron's public recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara in the summer of 2024. This move helped mend ties that had been strained for three years, culminating in a warm welcome for Macron during his state visit to Rabat in October 2024. Moroccan Prime Minister Akhannouch highlighted the "exceptional partnership" established during that visit, emphasizing a future built on political convergence, economic growth, and shared goals.

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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.

Moroccan Prime Minister Akhannouch stated that the enhanced partnership extends beyond strategic and economic dimensions, deeply rooted in the strong human connections between their societies. He noted the contributions of students, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and the diaspora in fostering closer ties and cultural enrichment.

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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.

Looking ahead, King Mohammed VI is expected to visit France for a state visit, potentially leading to the signing of a "unique friendship treaty." French Prime Minister Lecornu expressed France's desire to deepen the relationship, particularly in security and counterterrorism, and to leverage their "shared interests" across Africa. Lecornu stressed that the large ministerial delegation signifies a commitment to achieving a "qualitative leap" in bilateral relations, benefiting both nations and potentially others, including the European Union.

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a unique friendship treaty