Morocco & France discuss military cooperation to counter regional & international challenges

Moroccan-French relations and partnership are gaining momentum in all strategic sectors after Paris has voiced clear support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, recognizing the autonomy plan as the “ONLY” basis for a solution to the Sahara regional dispute.

On Monday, the Moroccan-French Joint Military Commission held its 22nd meeting in Rabat under the co-chairmanship of Lt. General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of FAR & Commander of the South Zone, and Gen. Thierry Burkhard, Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces.

During the meeting, the two Generals reviewed the 2024 military cooperation and joint actions to be carried out next year. They also discussed regional and international security situation.

The top French General was received the same day by minister in charge of National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi. They lauded the friendship and cooperation ties existing between the two countries and discussed cooperation prospects in military cyber-security and AI in defense industry.

Last October, President Emmanuel Macron paid a three-day state visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, opening a new chapter in the two countries’ partnership.

During this visit, Macron and the Moroccan Sovereign signed a joint Declaration expressing a strong commitment to work together to address shared challenges within the framework of a “Strengthened Exceptional Partnership”. The document provides for closer cooperation in vital fields such as food security, infrastructure, water management, security, defense, vaccines, energy transition, education and culture as well as cooperation in organizing global sports events.