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Rabat – The 2022 iteration of the military exercise African Lion kicked off today with an opening address by Belkhir El Farouk, the Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the country’s Southern Zone.
In his inaugural speech, the Moroccan officer stressed the role of security challenges in pushing different countries to work together and “overcome cultural, linguistic and procedural barriers.”
El Farouk welcomed the participation of numerous delegations in the 2022 African Lion, noting the importance of reaching synergy, based on ideals of peace and security, to boost strategic partnerships between Morocco and the US and other partner countries.
“This exercise, in perfect harmony with the aspirations of our countries, illustrates the high level of operational, technical, and procedural interoperability,” said El Farouk. He added that the objective of the exercise is to consolidate partnerships and facilitate decision-making.
Read Also: Morocco Begins Preparations Ahead of 2022 African Lion
Andrew Rohling, Commander of the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), echoed El Farouk’s comments. The African Lion event provides the countries with opportunities to exchange experiences and reinforce military cooperation to guarantee security and regional stability, Rohling argued.
This year, the African Lion program will last until June 30. The military maneuvers program will start in Kenitra before moving to southern cities such as Agadir, Tan Tan, Taroudant, and Mahbes.
The exercise will gather 7,500 army personnel from 20 countries in the southern provinces of Morocco, reiterating the support of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Spain, Morocco’s major economic partner, neighbor, and one of the latest supporters of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, will not participate in the event.
