French and Moroccan Leaders Draft New Pact Ahead of Royal Visit

Morocco and France are working on a new agreement that will be signed when King Mohammed VI visits Paris. This is the first treaty Morocco has signed with a European nation. The foreign ministers, Nasser Bourita and Jean‑Noel Barrot, met to discuss the deal. They did not say when the king’s trip will happen. The relationship between Paris and Rabat has grown stronger after France acknowledged Morocco’s control over Western Sahara in 2024. Bourita said the partnership is at its best, especially in defense and aviation. Barrot added that this will be a unique treaty with a non‑European country, aiming to build long‑term ties.Details of the agreement are still unclear. Barrot mentioned that France supports direct talks about Western Sahara, following UN resolution 2797. This stance has strained relations with Algeria, which backs the Polisario Front. Morocco is France’s main economic partner in Africa. It serves as a hub for trade and finance between Paris and the continent. In West Africa, Morocco has grown its influence through business sectors such as trade, agriculture, banking, telecom and construction. The treaty will help both countries cooperate more closely in Africa and beyond.