politics
French Prime Minister Arrives in Rabat with 12 Ministers for First High-Level Talks Since Pandemic
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on July 15 for a two-day visit accompanied by 12 ministers. The meetings mark the first high-level bilateral talks in this format since the Covid-19 pandemic. They follow renewed ties after France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024.
Jul 15, 5:22 PM·1m read2 sources
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on July 15 for a two-day visit accompanied by 12 ministers. The meetings mark the first high-level bilateral talks in this format since the Covid-19 pandemic. Lecornu, appointed in September 2025, is conducting his first international trip since taking office.
The bilateral format began in 1996 during Moroccan King Hassan II's state visit to France. Fourteen such meetings occurred between 1996 and 2019. King Mohammed VI is scheduled to visit France in October or November after Morocco's parliamentary elections on September 23.
President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Morocco in October 2024. France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in summer 2024. That recognition ended a three-year crisis marked by suspicions of espionage and visa restrictions.
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