French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to embark on first official visit to Morocco
Topics
Diplomacy
Morocco
French government
International relations
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to make his first international trip since taking office, heading to Rabat for a key diplomatic meeting.
About
Sébastien Lecornu
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is preparing for a historic milestone: his first official visit abroad since assuming leadership of the government last September. On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, he will travel to Rabat, Morocco, where he will co-chair with his Moroccan counterpart the fifteenth edition of the Franco-Moroccan intergovernmental seminar, known as the “Réunion de haut niveau” (RHN).
This high-level meeting, confirmed by Matignon, marks a significant step in diplomatic relations between France and Morocco. Lecornu will be accompanied by twelve ministers, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The delegation will engage in discussions with Moroccan officials, including Aziz Akhannouch, the country’s Prime Minister.
The RHN hasn’t convened since 2019, a period that saw both nations navigate a challenging diplomatic landscape. However, relations have since improved markedly. In October 2024, the French President was warmly received in Rabat during a state visit, just months after France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory.
Balancing rest and duty: Lecornu’s summer guidance for ministers
While July remains a busy month for the government, August typically offers a brief respite. However, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has issued a clear directive to his cabinet: “Take rest breaks, but avoid extended vacations.” According to reports, Lecornu is not one for prolonged breaks himself. He plans to split his August between Paris and Vernon in the Eure department, blending leisure with “a few vacation tasks.” His summer, it seems, will remain as productive as ever.