Denver- King Mohammed VI discussed Morocco’s “earnest efforts” to maintain its security commitments during his Throne Day address on Saturday.
During the speech, King Mohammed VI highlighted Morocco’s security initiatives geared towards both the African and Euro-Mediterranean regions, in addition to neighboring countries in the Maghreb. Indeed, Moroccan forces continuously participate in various operations in all three areas to tackle a range of security issues.
Morocco has conducted operations targeting transnational drug and human trafficking attempts into Europe, supporting countries in the Sahel battling various jihadist groups, and working to find solutions to end the ongoing conflict within Libya. King Mohammed VI implored Algerian officials to participate in maintaining security in the region and noted that criminal organizations are the “real, common enemy” between the two nations.
Moroccan security forces have been an integral factor in the success of these operations, and King Mohammed took the time to thank the various elements that continue to promote Moroccan stability. Specifically, the King highlighted the work of the “Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, the National Security Forces, the Auxiliary Forces, and the Emergency Services,” highlighting their “dedication…to uphold unity and sovereignty of the nation and preserve its security and stability.”
Several foreign political officials previously commented on Morocco’s international reputation as a security leader in the Maghreb region, and the positive effect that it continues to have on global security. Morocco’s forces are consistently utilized as training partners and an intelligence source for several Western countries, including the US, Spain, and France.
By cooperating with Morocco through military exercises and constant communication, these countries are able to maintain a secure connection to the North African region.
Earlier this year, an official from the US Embassy in Rabat described the Moroccan-US security relationship as “vital,” and affirming it “underpins a lot of what the US is trying to accomplish.” Similarly, after several months of political conflict between Morocco and Spain, Spanish PM Sanchez was still forced to admit Morocco continues to be a “strategic partner” for Spanish goals to maintain its own stability.
As King Mohammed VI emphasized in his speech, Morocco continues to be an important regional force for several countries, and despite disagreement with certain parties, it’s impossible to discount Morocco when discussing security operations at both the regional, and international levels.
