Morocco and France are preparing to formalise a deeper strategic alliance through a new bilateral treaty expected to be signed during a future state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, officials from both countries announced on Wednesday.
Morocco and France are set to formalise a deeper strategic alliance via a new bilateral treaty, the first of its kind for both countries with their respective partners.The agreement is expected to be signed during a future state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, though details and a timeline remain undisclosed.Relations have strengthened since France endorsed Morocco’s sovereignty plan for Western Sahara in 2024, aligning more closely with Rabat’s position on the disputed territory.Moroccan-French cooperation now spans key sectors like defence, aviation, and security, and Morocco is recognised as an important African gateway for French interests.
Morocco and France are preparing to formalise a deeper strategic alliance through a new bilateral treaty expected to be signed during a future state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, officials from both countries announced on Wednesday.
Speaking after meetings in Paris, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the agreement would mark Morocco’s first treaty of its kind with a European nation, Reuters reported.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the pact as unprecedented for France as well, noting it would be the country’s first such long-term framework agreement with a non-European partner.
While neither side disclosed the treaty’s specific provisions or a timeline for the king’s visit, both ministers framed the initiative as a sign of rapidly strengthening ties between Rabat and Paris.
Relations between the two countries have warmed significantly since France formally endorsed Morocco’s sovereignty plan for Western Sahara in 2024. Rabat has long pushed for international backing for its autonomy proposal for the disputed territory, which is also claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence.
Bourita said cooperation between the two countries has reached a high point across multiple sectors, including defence manufacturing, aviation and security coordination. Barrot added that Morocco has become an increasingly important partner for France, particularly in Africa, where the North African kingdom serves as a major commercial and financial gateway.
France’s support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara has, however, strained Paris’ already tense relationship with Algeria, which hosts and supports the Polisario movement.
As France reduces its footprint in parts of West Africa and the Sahel, Morocco has steadily expanded its regional influence through investments in banking, telecommunications, fertiliser production, trade and infrastructure. French officials now appear to view Rabat as a key ally in maintaining economic and strategic relevance across the continent.
