France is taking decisive steps to establish a new foundation for its partnership with Morocco through a landmark bilateral treaty. This agreement aims to structure long-term collaboration while addressing the challenges of the coming decades.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled this initiative during a press briefing in Rabat on 16 July, following the 15th high-level Franco-Moroccan meeting. Leading a delegation of twelve ministers, he met with his Moroccan counterparts to advance shared priorities.

“We are committed to crafting a bilateral treaty between our nations—the first such agreement France will sign with a non-EU country,” Lecornu stated in his official address. A joint committee of French and Moroccan experts is now developing the treaty’s framework, designed to foster a unique, stable, and forward-looking partnership.

Transforming Morocco-France relations for future generations

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

Key areas of enhanced cooperation include industry, energy, transportation, defense, security, agriculture, culture, and higher education. Facilitating mobility for entrepreneurs and students between the two countries also ranks high on the agenda.

Lecornu highlighted the robust collaboration between Moroccan and French agencies combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration. A comprehensive security pact is under development to solidify this joint effort.

The treaty underscores France’s unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, which it considers an “inalienable” principle. This position will remain consistent, and France pledges to uphold it in all aspects of its relationship with Morocco.