For the first time since taking office at Matignon, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has embarked on an official overseas tour, marking a significant step in his diplomatic engagement. His itinerary includes two key destinations: Qatar and Morocco, where he aims to strengthen France’s international partnerships.
His journey began with a solemn mission to Doha, where he arrived on Tuesday to convey France’s official condolences following the passing of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The late leader, who ruled from 1995 until his unexpected abdication in 2013, was remembered for transforming Qatar into a modern and influential nation. French President Emmanuel Macron personally tasked Lecornu with this mission, emphasizing the deep friendship between the two countries.
The Qatari government confirmed the emir’s death at the age of 74, with funeral rites held the following evening. In official statements, the Élysée highlighted his legacy, noting his role in Qatar’s historic modernization and pioneering diplomatic strategies that reshaped the region’s geopolitical landscape.
Strengthening ties with Morocco in Rabat
After concluding his duties in Qatar, Lecornu continued his diplomatic mission to Rabat, where he arrived on Wednesday evening. His visit, scheduled to last until Thursday, includes high-level discussions with Moroccan officials, accompanied by a delegation of key ministers such as Jean-Noël Barrot (Foreign Affairs) and Laurent Nuñez (Interior).
The focal point of his agenda is a meeting with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, the first such high-level encounter between the two governments since 2019. The visit underscores France’s commitment to deepening its strategic relationship with Morocco, particularly in light of recent diplomatic progress.
Relations between France and Morocco have significantly improved since President Macron’s historic recognition in mid-2024 of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a move that strained ties with neighboring Algeria. The gesture was reciprocated with a state visit by Macron to Rabat later that year, which included the signing of multiple bilateral agreements and marked the end of a three-year period of diplomatic friction, fueled by espionage allegations and visa restrictions.
The visit could pave the way for an upcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, potentially culminating in the signing of a landmark treaty to formalize a “special partnership” between the two nations.
Diplomatic engagement takes center stage
Lecornu’s foreign travel signals a renewed focus on strengthening France’s alliances in the Middle East and North Africa. His participation in these key diplomatic engagements reflects the government’s broader strategy to enhance international cooperation amid evolving global challenges.
