Rabat, July 16 – French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded a significant visit to Rabat on Thursday, where both France and Morocco declared a “renewed trust” in their bilateral relations. This visit underscores the diplomatic rapprochement spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI, with a potential visit by the Moroccan monarch to Paris currently under consideration.
“Exceptionally Positive” Bilateral Relations Highlighted
Lecornu lauded the Franco-Moroccan relations as “exceptionally positive” in a final statement. This positive shift follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory in the summer of 2024, a move that had previously drawn criticism from Algiers.
President Macron’s subsequent grand reception in Rabat in October of the same year effectively ended three years of strained relations, which had been fueled by suspicions of espionage and a visa crisis. That visit culminated in numerous agreements and the signing of an “exceptional reinforced partnership.”
Pegasus Allegations Resurface Amidst Diplomatic Harmony
Despite the apparent “honeymoon” period, a consortium of international media outlets on Thursday published new investigations into the alleged extent of Moroccan espionage using the Pegasus software, and France’s consideration of its acquisition. Rabat has consistently and categorically denied these “false and unfounded allegations.”
Initially, Lecornu and his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch, were scheduled to hold a press conference after their meeting. However, this was scaled back to simple statements to journalists, with no opportunity for questions. When questioned about the new investigation, both the French Prime Minister’s entourage and the Quai d’Orsay declined to comment. Within the French delegation, these new elements were dismissed as “old history.”
Deepening Cooperation and a “Non-Standard” Treaty
The French President’s entourage stated, “Our objective is to strengthen the framework of cooperation and trust with the Moroccans.” In a message to President Macron on the occasion of July 14th, the King of Morocco praised the “consolidation” of the “privileged relations” between the two nations.
This partnership could lead to a visit by the monarch to France and the signing of a “non-standard” treaty, which Sébastien Lecornu described as the first of its kind for France with a country outside the European Union. However, no date has yet been set for the King’s visit.
Prime Minister Lecornu was accompanied by a delegation of twelve ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, during his meeting with his Moroccan counterpart.
Key Agreements and Future Prospects
Following the 15th “high-level meeting” between the two delegations-a dialogue body that had not convened since 2019-Sébastien Lecornu hailed it as a “pivotal moment.” He expressed a desire to “change the scale” of the bilateral relationship, particularly concerning security and the fight against terrorism.
Regarding visas granted to Moroccans, a source of tension in 2021 and 2022 when Paris halved their issuance, Lecornu promised that France is now seeking “to facilitate circular mobility” across the Mediterranean, especially for entrepreneurs and students.
He also commended the “excellent cooperation between French and Moroccan services,” which has led to “unprecedented operational successes in recent weeks” in combating organized crime and drug trafficking.
Lecornu emphasized the “central importance of the African continent,” where both countries face the jihadist threat in the Sahel, and “our common interest in deploying there together, even more so.”
Aziz Akhannouch welcomed a partnership that “is now part of a shared strategic vision, based on assumed political convergence, renewed trust, and common ambition.” Morocco has become the priority of French diplomacy in the Maghreb, with Paris no longer seeking to maintain a balance with Algiers at all costs.
On the thorny security issue in the Sahel, Paris now appears to rely more on its Moroccan partner, while Algiers remains reluctant to share intelligence, despite the resumption of Franco-Algerian cooperation.
A dozen agreements were signed at the conclusion of these meetings. A “call for expressions of interest” in electrical interconnection between the two countries was launched. Rabat also signed “loan agreements” with the French Development Agency for water projects and a project for an RER (Regional Express Network) line in Rabat.
Source: https://www.boursorama.com/actualite-economique/actualites/au-maroc-paris-et-rabat-consacrent-leur-nouvelle-entente-22d24718297e2f728e22137585cd3764
