France is seeking to establish a fresh foundation for its long-standing ties with Morocco through a groundbreaking bilateral treaty. This agreement aims to formalize cooperation between the two nations, ensuring it evolves to meet future challenges across multiple sectors.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled this initiative on 16 july in Rabat, following the 15th high-level franco-moroccan meeting. He led a delegation of twelve ministers who engaged with their moroccan counterparts to discuss strategic priorities.

“we are committed to creating the first bilateral treaty France will sign with a non-eu country,” lecornu stated, emphasizing the treaty’s role in fostering a unique, robust, and forward-looking framework for shared prosperity.

a historic shift in Morocco-France relations

The treaty proposal follows president emmanuel macron’s state visit to Morocco in october 2024, during which both governments pledged to implement concrete measures. Now, they are accelerating efforts to deepen collaboration in key areas such as industry, energy, transportation, defense, security, agriculture, culture, and higher education.

Enhancing people-to-people exchanges—particularly among entrepreneurs and students—remains a top priority. lecornu also highlighted the strong cooperation between moroccan and french authorities in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration, with plans for a comprehensive security accord to solidify these efforts.

France’s unwavering stance on the Sahara question was reaffirmed by lecornu, who described it as “untouchable.” he stressed that this position would remain consistent and guide France’s actions in its relations with Morocco.