U.S.A., Morocco discuss defense cooperation & shared security interests

Defense cooperation and shared security interests between Morocco and the United States were at the focus of a meeting in Rabat Wednesday between Minister in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, and Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM Commander, who is visiting Morocco.

Talks also discussed the potential to further strengthen Morocco-US partnership and ways to expand cooperation to other areas.

The two officials expressed their satisfaction with the level of excellence achieved by military cooperation relations that were consolidated by the contributions of the 2020-2030 defense partnership roadmap, the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) said in a statement.

They praised the positive results and collaboration ties initiated and monitored by the Defense Consultative Committee, which is held alternately in Rabat and Washington, ties that are supported by the regular exchange of visits by senior military and political officials from both countries, added the statement.

During the meeting, Loudyi highlighted the Royal Initiative aimed at transforming Africa’s Atlantic coastline into a space of shared peace, stability, and prosperity, including all the countries in the continent’s Atlantic band.

The initiative also aims to facilitate access to the Atlantic Ocean for landlocked Sahel countries, which, according to the royal vision, will strengthen South-South cooperation, security, and peace in the region.

The American general took the opportunity to express his admiration for the important role played by Morocco under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, as an actor for stability and peace in Africa, the FAR statement said.

At the end of the meeting, the two officials expressed their shared ambition and desire to consolidate these exemplary relations in the future.

Later, the four-star General held talks with Inspector General of FAR and Commander of the South Zone, Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, at the FAR General Staff headquarters.

Talks between FAR Inspector General and USAFRICOM Commander focused on the various aspects of bilateral military cooperation and the regional security situation, exacerbated by the collusion of terrorist groups with separatist groups and networks active in irregular migration and human trafficking.

The two officials commended the excellent relations between the Royal Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces, which are reflected in intense, frequent, and regular cooperation activities.
AFRICOM Chief’s visit to Morocco comes few weeks after the meeting held in Agadir to prepare for the Africa Lion 2024 military exercise. The visit also comes amid security alerts issued by the the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia warning against travel to Tindouf city in Southern Algeria or to Polisario-controlled Sahrawi camps due to high risks of kidnappings in these zones, rocked by growing popular uprisings and protests against Algeria and the separatist movement’s leadership.