Rabat – Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher W. Grady received on Monday Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces Lieutenant General Belkhir El Farouk at the Pentagon.
A statement from the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the meeting served as an opportunity to discuss security cooperation, and strengthening military readiness as well as “other items of mutual interest.”
The statement concluded that both Morocco and the US share “strong bilateral military” relations that contribute to the stability and security of North Africa.
The meeting comes as both countries express determination to strengthen cooperation in security.
Newly appointed US ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar said last week that his country places a “great value” on the strategic relationship, recalling Morocco’s pioneering role as a regional leader in terms of security.
“They [Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken] prioritize close coordination with his majesty King Mohammed VI on so many important issues. That is why they asked me to take on this critical assignment in Rabat. Morocco is a regional leader and I look forward to deepening all dimensions of our partnerships so we can work together” to ensure prosperity, and security to address common challenges, Talwar said.
Head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) US Marine Corps General Michael Langley echoed similar statements during his recent visit to Morocco in October, where he held talks with senior military officials, including El Farouk.
Commenting on the visit, Langley said that cooperation between the two countries in the military is “built on deep, historical ties” that date to the very founding of the US.
The US military official also emphasized that the countries’ commitment to supporting regional peace and security is “stronger than ever.”
Morocco participates in 100 military exercises across the world. The North African country has been the host for the largest military drill in Africa, African Lion, for 18 years.
Morocco has been confirmed as the host for the 2023 Africa Lion event. The confirmation came amid lobbying attempts from pro-Polisario Republican Senator James Inhofe, who was urging the US government to search for alternative locations for the military exercise.
