Marrakech Air Show 2024: Moroccan military cooperation discussed with UAE, Cape Verde

Moroccan military and defense cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and Cape Verde was discussed on the sidelines of Marrakech Air Show 2024 held October 30 through November 2.

In this connection, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the South Zone, Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, held separate meetings Thursday with Chief of Staff of the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces, Major General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, and Chief of Staff of the Cape Verde Armed Forces, Rear Admiral António Duarte Monteiro.
Talks with the Chief of Staff of the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces focused on training, exchange of visits and expertise, as well as the defense industry.
During the meeting, the two officials welcomed the level of this cooperation, and reiterated their willingness to further bolster it, in line with the supreme will of the two brotherly countries’ leaders, a statement from the FAR General Staff said.

Cooperation between the FAR and the UAE Armed Forces dates back to 1980, when the first military agreement was signed. It was subsequently strengthened by the framework agreement signed in May 2006.

The meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Cape Verde reviewed various aspects of military cooperation between the two countries’ armies, in particular in the fields of training and participation in multinational exercises.

The two officials welcomed the level of bilateral cooperation and discussed ways of strengthening and extending this cooperation to other areas of common interest.

Based on mutual trust and respect, relations between Morocco and Cape Verde are steadfast, contributing to attaining common objectives and the promotion of the African continent in a stable and secure framework.

The 7th Marrakech Air Show, an international exhibition dedicated to aeronautics and space, is hosted by the city’s military airbase, and is organised jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Defence Administration and MEDZ, a subsidiary of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion.

Since its launch in 2008, the MAS has steadily grown over the years, testifying to its appeal and Morocco’s positioning as a global aerospace industry hub. The country’s strategic position, combined with its world-class infrastructure and investment in technology, makes it a key regional hub for the aerospace and defence industry.

The Marrakech Air Show has established itself as a unique platform for the exchange and collaboration of key players in the global aeronautics industry. This new edition promises to be even richer in novelties and business opportunities.

Thanks to the Royal vision, a strong aerospace industry has developed over the last 20 years, offering incredible potential opportunities to global players in the sector. Today, there are more than 147 companies operating in Morocco, creating over 20,000 jobs and a 40% integration rate, one of the highest in the world.

Some 300 exhibitors are participating in this year’s show, displayed over 12,500 m2 of exhibition space, and featured spectacular aerial demonstrations, a dynamic exhibition, and a rich program of high-level conferences dealing with emerging trends and current and future challenges in the sector.

This year’s event focused on innovation and new technologies, with an area dedicated to start-ups and research projects. The challenges of energy transition and sustainable mobility were also at the heart of the debates.

The event stood as a platform to strike new partnerships and discover the latest innovations and technologies in the presence of the world’s leading players in aeronautics.
The Marrakech Air Show is held every two years.