French prime minister pledges closer ties with Morocco during Rabat visit

France and Morocco moved to strengthen their renewed partnership during a visit by French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to Rabat, while new reports about alleged Moroccan use of Pegasus spyware against French officials threatened to overshadow the trip.

Lecornu praised the diplomatic progress made by Paris and Rabat since President Emmanuel Macron backed Morocco's sovereignty claim over the disputed Western Sahara in 2024. He described relations as being at a turning point and said France wanted deeper cooperation, especially on security and counterterrorism. Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said the partnership was based on restored trust, a shared strategic vision and common ambition.

The visit produced several agreements, including the signing of what was described as an enhanced exceptional partnership between France and Morocco.

At the same time, a media consortium led by Forbidden Stories published new reports about the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware. The consortium, which included Le Monde, said email traces that Morocco used to spy on domestic political opponents had also been found on the phones of French ministers, including Lecornu. The consortium first alleged in 2021 that Morocco had used Pegasus extensively, including against French officials.

Lecornu and Akhannouch had been expected to hold a press conference after their meeting, but instead made brief statements to reporters without taking questions.

Pegasus can be installed secretly on a target's smartphone and can read messages, track location and turn on the camera and microphone. Morocco has firmly rejected all accusations against it and has demanded evidence. The reports also said Paris had considered acquiring the software. The French foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reports. Macron's office said France's objective was to strengthen the framework of cooperation and trust with Morocco.

Relations between France and Morocco had previously been strained by issues including a visa dispute and allegations of Moroccan espionage.