Multidimensional defense cooperation between Morocco and the USA was reviewed at a meeting held in Rabat Monday between Minister in charge of the National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi, and a delegation of U.S. Congress members, led by Trent Kelly, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, under the Armed Services Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The meeting, that was attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the South Zone, examined the level of cooperation in the defense sector, marked in particular by regular meetings of the Morocco-U.S. Defense Consultative Committee, whose 14th session was held in Washington last April, the sustained exchange of visits between senior military officials, and the joint organization of the large-scale African Lion annual exercise, become a model of multinational military cooperation and a major driver of interoperability among armed forces of participating countries, the National Defense Administration said in a statement.
During the meeting, both parties commended the excellent, long-standing ties between Morocco and the USA, as well as the remarkable level achieved in bilateral military cooperation. In this regard, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening this strategic partnership and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the interest of both countries.
According to the statement, the Moroccan side commended Washington’s constant, frank, and constructive support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire national territory, as well as efforts made in this regard. It also highlighted various South-South cooperation and regional integration initiatives launched under the leadership and in accordance with the vision of King Mohammed VI, propelling the Kingdom as a key player promoting stability, peace, and shared prosperity for the benefit of the African continent.
The U.S. congressmen, on their part, praised the leadership of the Monarch, and underlined that Morocco is a key player in promoting stability, dialogue, and shared prosperity in the face of various challenges and issues related to regional and international security.
At the close of the meeting, both parties expressed their shared ambition and determination to further consolidate this exceptional strategic partnership in the future and to strengthen the exemplary relations of trust, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries, the statement said.
The head of the Delegation, which is on a working visit to the Kingdom, also held talks with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
