Morocco, Belgium poised to upgrade cooperation in security, counterterrorism, transnational organized crime

Means and ways of bolstering cooperation between Morocco and Belgium in matters of security, counterterrorism, and struggle against transnational organized crime were reviewed by Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST) and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Paul Van Tigchelt, as well as the Acting General Administrator of State Security in Belgium.

At a meeting in Rabat on Wednesday, the two sides reviewed cooperation between the two countries in various areas of mutual security interest and explored ways to strengthen and expand this cooperation to address the growing challenges and threats related to terrorism and transnational organized crime, the DGSN said in a statement.

According to the statement, this meeting is part of the commitment of the DGSN and the DGST to enhance mechanisms for international security cooperation and the exchange of information and expertise to counter terrorist threats and dismantle organized crime networks and their transnational links.

The meeting provided opportunity to underscore Morocco’s pivotal role as a strong and strategic partner in regional and international efforts to enhance security, address security challenges, and counter terrorist threats.

The Belgian delegation also conferred with Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita, on bilateral relations and the shared desire to establish a forward-looking partnership. The discussions also addressed the importance of cooperation in various fields and ways to further strengthen it, considering the priorities and interests of both countries.