Morocco-US military cooperation discussed with Congressmen delegation in Rabat

The strategic military partnership binding Morocco and the USA and the Roadmap for Defense Cooperation signed by the two countries were at the focus of a meeting that gathered Friday in Rabat Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration, and a visiting delegation of U.S. Congressmen.

In compliance with royal instructions, Abdeltif Loudyi received a delegation of U.S. Congressmen at the headquarters of the Administration on Friday, in the presence of representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, a statement by the National Defense Administration said.

The congressmen emphasized the strong and productive friendship and cooperation between the United States and Morocco. This relationship is further strengthened by a strategic military partnership, reinforced by important legal agreements such as the Roadmap for Defense Cooperation signed in October 2020 during the visit of the U.S. Secretary of Defense to Morocco, the statement said.

The congressmen highlighted the strengthening of military cooperation through the Defense Consultative Committee and exchanges of visits by senior officials from both countries. They also commended the Kingdom’s vital role in promoting peace and stability in Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

For his part, Loudyi mentioned the tripartite declaration signed in December 2020 between Morocco, the United States, and Israel before King Mohammed VI and recalled the United States’ decision to recognize the Kingdom’s full sovereignty over the Sahara.

The minister welcomed the decisions of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for cooperation with the Kingdom. They reiterated the importance of bilateral military cooperation through the exchange of experience and expertise. In this regard, the “African Lion” multilateral military exercise regularly strengthens the interoperability of forces.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at their cooperative partnership and shared interest in exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Specifically, they expressed interest in working together on cyber defense, space, and defense industry initiatives, the statement said.