French newspaper Le Monde reports that King Mohammed VI is expected to make a state visit to Paris between the summer and autumn of 2026. Moroccan and French authorities are reportedly preparing the visit, aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations following recent positive diplomatic developments.
The report states that both governments are working on a friendship treaty, described as “the first of its kind between France and any country in the Global South.” The treaty is being drafted by a joint committee chaired by prominent figures in Franco-Moroccan relations, including former French Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine and former Moroccan Ambassador to France Chakib Benmoussa.
The visit was first announced during President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Morocco in October 2024, when he officially invited King Mohammed VI to Paris. While initial reports suggested the visit could take place in late 2025, it was delayed for unspecified reasons. No official date has been confirmed so far.
The planned state visit comes after the signing of a “Close Exceptional Partnership” on 28 October 2024 at the Royal Palace in Rabat. The declaration, overseen by King Mohammed VI and President Macron, sets out a comprehensive framework for cooperation in political dialogue, economic partnership, humanitarian and cultural exchange, education, and sports, including preparations for major events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics and Morocco 2030 World Cup.
Strategic areas highlighted in the agreement include health security and vaccine production, water resource management and agriculture, food security, urban transport infrastructure, energy transition and renewable energy, artificial intelligence, defense, research, and culture. Migration is also addressed, with a focus on facilitating legal mobility, combating irregular migration, and strengthening cooperation between countries of origin, transit, and destination.
The declaration emphasizes the regional and international dimensions of the partnership, aiming to enhance strategic dialogue in Africa, the Atlantic region, the Euro-Mediterranean space, and the Middle East, while coordinating efforts to address global crises and protect shared global assets such as climate, the environment, and biodiversity.
Both leaders will oversee the partnership’s implementation through regular meetings and a dedicated strategic committee, ensuring that the agreement translates into concrete, sustainable actions for current and future generations.
