France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to visit Morocco for landmark summit

Sébastien Lecornu, France’s Prime Minister, is set to embark on his first international trip since taking office in September. According to confirmed reports from Matignon, he will travel to Rabat, Morocco, this Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to co-chair the fifteenth edition of the Franco-Moroccan intergovernmental seminar alongside Morocco’s Prime Minister.

The high-level meeting, known as the Haut Niveau Meeting (HNM), marks a significant diplomatic milestone as the first gathering of its kind since 2019. This pause in diplomatic relations coincided with a period of strained ties between the two nations. However, recent efforts have led to a thawing of relations, culminating in French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Rabat in October 2024. During that visit, France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory.

Delegation and agenda highlights

A dozen French ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, will accompany Prime Minister Lecornu. The delegation will engage in discussions with Moroccan officials, including Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, to strengthen bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

Government priorities during summer break

While July remains a busy month for the government, August typically offers ministers a brief respite. This year, however, Prime Minister Lecornu has issued a firm directive to his cabinet members. « Take your summer breaks, but avoid extended vacations, » he reportedly instructed. Known for his aversion to prolonged absences, Lecornu plans to split his August between Paris and his hometown of Vernon in the Eure department. He will reportedly balance relaxation with essential duties, ensuring the government remains operational throughout the summer.