Officials from Morocco and France announced on Wednesday that both countries are moving toward a stronger strategic partnership through a new bilateral treaty expected to be signed during a future state visit by Mohammed VI to Paris.
Following talks in Paris, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the proposed agreement would become Morocco’s first treaty of this nature with a European country, according to Reuters.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the arrangement as equally historic for France, explaining that it would represent Paris’ first long-term strategic framework agreement with a non-European state.
Although neither government revealed details of the treaty or confirmed a date for the king’s visit, both ministers presented the initiative as evidence of rapidly improving relations between Rabat and Paris.
Western Sahara strengthens cooperation
Ties between the two nations have improved considerably since France officially backed Morocco’s sovereignty proposal for Western Sahara in 2024. Morocco has consistently sought international support for its autonomy plan regarding the disputed territory, which is also claimed by the Algeria-supported Polisario Front that advocates independence.
Bourita stated that collaboration between Morocco and France has reached new levels across several areas, including defence production, aviation and security cooperation.
Barrot also noted that Morocco has become an increasingly valuable partner for France, especially in Africa, where the North African country acts as a major trade and financial hub.
However, France’s endorsement of Morocco’s position on Western Sahara has added tension to Paris’ already strained ties with Algeria, which hosts and backs the Polisario movement.
As France gradually scales back its presence in parts of West Africa and the Sahel region, Morocco has continued to expand its regional influence through investments in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, fertiliser production, infrastructure and trade.
French authorities now appear to see Rabat as an essential ally for preserving economic and strategic influence across Africa.