Morocco, Saudi Arabia resolved to upgrade military & defense cooperation

Morocco and Saudi Arabia have both voiced their resolve to upgrade their cooperation in the defense and security fields and to explore new prospects for this cooperation.

This came during the visit Chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces First Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili is paying to Morocco October 28 to November 2, at the head of a large military delegation.

The Saudi official started his visit by holding separate meetings with Minister in Charge of National Defense Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi, and Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the South Zone, Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid.

According to a statement issued by the National Defense Administration, both sides praised the special level of defense cooperation between the two countries, and emphasized the depth of historical relations between the two kingdoms under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The special level of this cooperation is reflected in the intensification of joint activities and exchange of visits between officials of the two countries.

During the meetings that focused on opportunities to further promote and strengthen military cooperation, the two sides voiced their shared will to strengthen and develop prospects for cooperation in the defense and security fields.

They also welcomed the positive track record of military cooperation between the two countries, including training and exchanges of visits.

The Saudi military official highlighted the strategic importance of partnership with Morocco, and praised the notable economic and social development achieved by Morocco, which has made it an active regional power and an element of stability in its Euro-Mediterranean and African environment, the National Defense Administration statement said.

Moroccan-Saudi military cooperation is regulated by the Military-Technical Cooperation Framework Agreement, signed in December 2015. This agreement covers training, defense industry, logistical support, transfer of military expertise, military medical services and exchange of visits.