New bilateral treaty to reshape Morocco-France ties

Morocco and France forge a historic bilateral treaty

France is poised to redefine its long-standing partnership with Morocco through the negotiation of a groundbreaking bilateral treaty. The agreement aims to establish a robust, forward-looking framework for cooperation across critical sectors, aligning with the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape of the coming decades.

French Interior Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled this ambitious initiative during a joint press conference in Rabat, concluding the 15th edition of the high-level Franco-Moroccan meeting. Leading a delegation of twelve French ministers, he underscored the significance of this treaty—France’s first such agreement with a non-EU nation.

«This treaty will transcend mere diplomatic gestures to create a unique, stable, and ambitious partnership model,» he stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts of French and Moroccan experts drafting the document. The accord is designed not only to reinforce existing ties but to pioneer new pathways for collaboration.

Strengthening bilateral relations: a new chapter

The initiative builds on commitments made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024. Both governments have since prioritized translating these pledges into tangible projects spanning multiple domains.

Key focus areas include industrial development, energy transition, transportation infrastructure, defense, security, agriculture, cultural exchanges, and higher education. Facilitating mobility for entrepreneurs, researchers, and students is also a cornerstone of the envisioned partnership.

Lecornu also commended the robust security cooperation between Moroccan and French agencies, particularly in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration. A comprehensive security accord is in the works to further solidify this collaboration.

The French official reiterated France’s unwavering stance on the Sahara issue, describing it as «inalienable» and affirming that Paris would uphold this position in all future engagements with Morocco.