French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on Wednesday evening for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between France and Morocco, according to a statement from the French Embassy in Morocco. The visit comes amid efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in defense, security, and economic sectors.
During his stay, Lecornu is scheduled to meet with Moroccan officials, including Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi, to discuss joint military exercises, arms cooperation, and regional security challenges, particularly in the Sahel region. The talks also cover the modernization of the Moroccan armed forces and potential French investments in Morocco's defense industry.
This visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI in June 2026, where they reaffirmed their commitment to a "renewed and ambitious" partnership. The French Embassy emphasized that the visit underscores France's recognition of Morocco as a key partner in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
Economic ties are also on the agenda, with discussions on French companies' participation in major infrastructure projects in Morocco, such as the high-speed rail line and renewable energy initiatives. France remains one of Morocco's top foreign investors, with over 900 French subsidiaries operating in the country.
