Rabat – High-ranking defense officials from Morocco and the United States convened in a strategic meeting today to deliberate on bolstering military cooperation and reinforcing peacekeeping efforts.
The Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco, Mohammed Berrid, met with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, Jennifer Zakriski, at the FAR general staff headquarters on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the two officials commended the strong relations between the Royal Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces, demonstrated through intense, frequent, and regular cooperation activities, according to a press release from the FAR General Staff.
Berrid highlighted the long-standing ties between Morocco and the US, describing them as “excellent” and “historically rooted.”
He noted that these strong ties resulted from the signing of the Moroccan-American Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1786.
The treaty, which was the first between any Arab, Muslim, or African State and the US, laid the foundation for a “centuries-old” and “historic” relationship, Berrid noted.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss various aspects of military cooperation between the two armies.
This includes the defense industry, procurement of materials and equipment with necessary technical and logistical support, training, technology transfer, and enhancing bilateral cooperation in disaster management.
In addition, the two officials focused on the role of the FAR in peacekeeping, highlighting it as a credible leader and partner in promoting regional peace, security, and cooperation.
Military collaboration between Morocco and the US operates under a defined roadmap spanning from 2020 to 2030, inked during the US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper’s visit to Morocco in 2020.
The roadmap aims to foster a strong alliance between the two countries to tackle security challenges.
The partnership encompasses various aspects such as strategic discussions, joint training exercises, participation in the Utah National Guard’s Partnership Program, and mutual support in terms of financial aid and equipment provision.
