French diplomacy shifts focus to Morocco in Maghreb strategy

French diplomacy has clearly designated Morocco as its top priority in the Maghreb region, marking a strategic pivot away from its traditional balancing act in North Africa. This shift is underscored by the two-day official visit to Rabat by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, just weeks after taking office. The visit, from July 15 to 16, signals a new chapter in bilateral relations between France and Morocco, with high-level discussions scheduled between Lecornu and his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch.

Milestone visit: first foreign trip for new French PM

This marks the first international engagement for Lecornu since assuming his role, accompanied by a delegation of over a dozen ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The agenda includes a bilateral meeting with Akhannouch, followed by a joint press conference. The visit will culminate in an official luncheon, where key issues such as security cooperation and geopolitical alignment are expected to dominate discussions.

Strengthening ties: security and parliamentary diplomacy

During a recent address to the French Senate, Lecornu highlighted the exceptional quality of police and judicial cooperation between France and Morocco, calling it a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship. He also praised the presence of a Moroccan parliamentary delegation in Paris, invited by Senator Christian Cambon, chair of the France-Morocco Friendship Group. The delegation, led by Mohamed Zidouh, engaged with French and European lawmakers, including François-Xavier Bellamy (European People’s Party), Pierre Jouvet (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats), and Fabienne Keller, Questeur of the European Parliament.

The exchanges underscored the depth of cooperation between the two nations. Bellamy emphasized the strong bonds of friendship and strategic partnership between Morocco and France, lauding Morocco as a model of progress and resilience. He noted the country’s comprehensive development drive and urged the European Union to acknowledge Morocco’s credibility and commitment to international obligations. On the issue of territorial integrity, Bellamy reiterated France’s stance, recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara within the framework of international law.

Jouvet, for his part, described Morocco as an essential geopolitical partner for both France and the EU, stressing the need to consolidate their partnership and safeguard shared achievements. The visit also included a symbolic gesture—a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mohammed V Mausoleum, reinforcing the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.