Diplomatic thaw — French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrives in Rabat with plans to formalize a strengthened partnership, including a potential state visit by Morocco’s monarch and a landmark friendship treaty with France.

Relations between France and Morocco have steadily improved in recent years, as evidenced by Lecornu’s official visit to Rabat this week. Discussions are underway for a state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris and the signing of an unprecedented ‘treaty of friendship,’ though no timeline has been set.

The relationship has warmed significantly since France formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara in summer 2024—sparking strong reactions from Algiers.

Stronger partnership despite Pegasus controversy

Emmanuel Macron received a warm welcome in Rabat in October 2024, marking the end of three years of strained ties fueled in part by espionage allegations and visa restrictions. That visit yielded major contracts and the signing of an ‘exceptional strengthened partnership.’

This week’s announcement comes amid fresh scrutiny over Morocco’s alleged use of the Pegasus spyware, which was reportedly used to infiltrate devices of national and international figures—including high-ranking French officials—according to a recent cross-border investigation. The Moroccan government has consistently denied these accusations.