A US congressional delegation is carrying out an official visit to Morocco as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce cooperation and bilateral relations between Rabat and Washington.
Moroccan Delegate Minister for National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi received today the delegation led by Mike Rogers, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives.
During the meeting the congressional congress “expressed their enthusiasm for the major reforms” Morocco has carried out under King Mohamed VI, noted a statement from the National Defense Administration.
The US delegation also emphasized the importance of the centuries-old ties of cooperation and friendship between Morocco and the US, stressing Washington’s determination to build on this strategic partnership in different fields, including military, security and trade.
The delegation also renewed the country’s admiration for Morocco’s efforts and role in the service of peace and stability in the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Middle East.
The US and Morocco cooperate at different levels, including security.
US delegation in Morocco
Counterterrorism tops the list of cooperation areas between the two countries, and both Rabat and Washington have signaled their determination to further cement this partnership.
In February, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East welcomed the two countries’ counterterrorism cooperation, describing the North African country as a “critical partner… that shares U.S. interests and objectives in countering violent extremism.”
In addition to security cooperation, Loudiyi also welcomed defense cooperation between the two countries, recalling the positive decisions by the American congress and Senate concerning US-Morocco military cooperation.
He also recalled the adoption of the US national defense budget for 2023. The Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act into law benefits Morocco as it presents several opportunities including climate spending and arms sales.
The adoption comes amid pressure from some pro-Polisario vocal senators, who pushed for hostile texts to halt US-Morocco bilateral military cooperation.
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In addition to bilateral ties, Loudiyi also reiterated Morocco’s desire to expand cooperation with one of its largest allies. He recalled the tripartite declaration between the US, Israel, and Morocco in December 2020, marking Washington’s decision to recognize Morocco’s territorial integrity for and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita also met with the US congressional delegation.
The visit comes as Morocco and the US prepare to carry out this summer the multilateral military exercise called African Lion, with the ambition of reinforcing the interoperability of US and Moroccan forces.
The exercise, which is the largest in Africa, will feature nearly 6,000 soldiers from 20 countries in Africa and beyond.
Morocco has been the host of the exercise for 18 years, and will host its 19th edition from May 22 to June 16 in different Moroccan cities, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Mehbes, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit.
