During his December 5 visit to Morocco, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with both the Moroccan head of government and the DGSN chief to discuss continued cooperation on security.
Rabat – On behalf of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the US department of state has released a statement following his afternoon trip to Morocco on Thursday, December 5. In the statement: “Secretary Pompeo’s Visit to Morocco: Enhancing Economic and Security Cooperation,” the state department underlined the “strong partnership” between Morocco and the US.
The state department went on to emphasize the US’ commitment to “the continued prosperity and security” of both countries.
A pleasure meeting Director General Abdellatif Hammouchi today to reaffirm the importance of our counterterrorism and law enforcement cooperation. We value our partnership with #Morocco in the fight against terrorism and working together to advance peace and security. pic.twitter.com/ZDvlJ52KMc
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 5, 2019
On the subject of security, the statement noted: “Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is essential to the global fight against terrorism.” Citing Morocco’s co-chairmanship of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the statement referred to Morocco as “a recognized regional leader in promoting religious co-existence and interfaith dialogue.”
The statement also noted the October 3-4 First Regional Conference on Cultural Heritage Protection for Religious Communities the US and Morocco co-hosted to support the Potomac Declaration and freedom of religion.
Morocco is one of the US’ key allies in ensuring regional stability. Morocco “takes a leadership role in African security,” the state department added.
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The US state department also noted that Morocco has more than 2,000 soldiers currently deployed in UN peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.
As part of the US-Morocco military collaboration, both national militaries take part in the annual African Lion training exercise, serving as an opportunity for exchanging the best practices between Morocco and the US.
The statement went on to cite Morocco’s collaboration with the US Peace Corps: “Morocco is home to the oldest and largest Peace Corps program in the region, welcoming more than 5,000 Peace Corps Volunteers over the past 55 years.”
“Today, almost 200 Peace Corps Volunteers work to strengthen the ties between our two nations while enhancing the life skills of Moroccan youth and encouraging volunteerism.”
The statement also noted that Morocco is the only country in Africa that the US shares a Free Trade Agreement with, strengthening the economic bilateral ties between the two states.
A pleasure meeting #Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita again today to reaffirm the importance of our enduring partnership, which is expanding economic opportunity and increasing security for both our countries. pic.twitter.com/483GjQEkN5
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 5, 2019
Read also: Pompeo’s Moroccan Visit in Context: Indispensable Partners with Divergences on Some Specifics
