France is seeking to establish a fresh framework for its partnership with Morocco through a groundbreaking bilateral treaty. The two nations are collaboratively drafting an agreement designed to govern their long-term cooperation and align with future challenges over the coming decades.

The initiative was unveiled by Sébastien Lecornu, France’s government chief, during a press briefing in Rabat on July 16, concluding the 15th high-level Franco-Moroccan meeting. Lecornu led a twelve-minister delegation to engage with their Moroccan counterparts.

“This is the spirit in which we are developing a bilateral treaty between our two countries—the first France will sign with a nation outside the European Union,” Lecornu stated in remarks shared by French authorities.

A joint committee of French and Moroccan experts is currently shaping the treaty’s content. The agreement aims to go beyond symbolic gestures, establishing a “unique, stable, and ambitious” foundation for their shared future.

Morocco-France: a partnership poised for transformation

The treaty proposal follows the state visit of Emmanuel Macron to Morocco in October 2024. Both governments have been tasked with implementing commitments made during that visit and launching innovative initiatives.

Paris and Rabat are committed to deepening collaboration across key sectors, including industry, energy, transportation, defense, security, agriculture, culture, and higher education. Enhanced mobility for entrepreneurs and students is also highlighted as a priority.

Lecornu praised the ongoing cooperation between Moroccan and French agencies combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration. A comprehensive security pact is in development to further solidify this joint effort.

He also reaffirmed France’s unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, describing it as “inalienable”. The French government has pledged to uphold this position consistently in its dealings with Morocco.