Moroccan-French cooperation in facing the challenges of security, terrorist threats reviewed in Rabat

Moroccan-French cooperation in taking up the challenges of security and terrorist threats as well as Morocco’s operational and logistical support to France as part of the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were reviewed at a meeting between the two countries’ Interior Ministers held in Rabat this Monday.

The Moroccan and French Ministers of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit and Gérald Darmanin, held a tête-à-tête meeting that was followed by an extended working session in the presence of senior officials from both countries, during which they agreed to strengthen channels for exchanging expertise and information to better anticipate the multiple threats facing the two countries and the region, particularly those linked to the criminal activities of terrorist groups and criminal networks.

Talks reviewed issues of common interest and examined ways of further strengthening cooperation and promoting the exceptional strategic partnership based on friendship and respect for mutual interests.

In this connection, the two ministers welcomed the solid foundation provided by the security and migration components of this deep, multi-dimensional bilateral relationship, which is strengthened by open dialogue at all levels, a statement by the Ministry of the Interior said, pointing out that these components carry a vitality which helps maintain a dynamic capable of constructively transcending the various conjunctures.

They expressed their shared vision of the regional and international scene, before underlining the convergence of their points of view on security issues and common challenges, and agreeing to strengthen channels for exchanging expertise and information to better anticipate the multiple threats, particularly those linked to the criminal activities of terrorist groups and criminal networks, notably in the Sahel-Saharan region, according to the statement.

In this context, Laftit recalled Morocco’s appropriate and comprehensive security approach to meet the challenges of security, particularly the terrorist threat. A global strategy that combines operational combat and intelligence sharing with preventive action, mainly against radicalization, as well as reintegration moves.

He also recalled the holistic and humanistic approach to migration governance adopted by the Kingdom, in line with the orientations of King Mohammed VI. In this respect, he emphasized the constant efforts made by the Kingdom and the positive role it plays within the framework of the Permanent Joint Migration Group, which is the mechanism for dialogue and coordination on this issue.

For his part, the French official welcomed the Moroccan approach to security and migration challenges, and pointed out that this approach constitutes a factor of regional peace and stability which establishes the Kingdom as a bulwark against different threats and as a reliable and credible partner on the international scene, particularly with the countries of the southern Mediterranean.

He also thanked the Moroccan security services for their operational and logistical support as part of the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the statement said.