Disarmament & Non-Proliferation: Moroccan, U.S. laboratories ink twinning agreement

Morocco and the United States have inked in Washington an unprecedented twinning agreement between the National Laboratory of Scientific Police, a body of the General Directorate of National Security, and the US renowned Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
The signatory sides highlighted the importance of this initiative, as a means to enrich bilateral partnership and contribute to efforts made in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, particularly regarding the Chemical Weapons Convention.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Mallory Stewart who attended the twinning act signing ceremony at the state department welcomed the solid partnership binding Washington and Rabat and stressed that convergences with the Kingdom are not only appreciated but are also continually valued.

“We have the shared ambition with Morocco to build upon what already exists, but above all to innovate and explore new areas to extend our exceptional partnership,” she underlined.

The signing of this agreement “is part of this committed effort that drives our close collaboration and we look forward to seeing this relationship continue to deepen and expand.”

The US Assistant Secretary of State said that this is a fundamental step that will pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two countries in the area of arms control and non-proliferation, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Moroccan ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, on his part deemed the twinning act as an important progress in strengthening the partnership between Morocco and the United States. It reflects, he said, “a very special mark of trust and the unwavering commitment that drives the development of our relationship with the United States, with the constantly renewed ambition to build, in accordance with the vision of HM King Mohammed VI, cooperative bridges between our nations.”

The agreement will anchor new processes and new means to further promote scientific interoperability between the laboratories, while capitalizing on “the strong existing diplomatic and political convergences in our respective visions for international peace and security,” the diplomat pointed out.

The ambassador recalled in this regard that “Morocco and the United States enjoy a unique and historic relationship built on a solid foundation of shared values and principles,” noting that the twinning agreement is “a new breakthrough which will consolidate not only Moroccan capacities, but also those of our African partners.”