Rabat – A delegation of United States senators, led by Senator Jerry Moran, met on Monday with Moroccan defense officials in Rabat to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Abdeltif Loudyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Head of Government for National Defense Administration, and General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, received the American delegation. The group included senators Susan Collins, John Boozman, John Hoeven, and John Cornyn.
The discussions focused on bilateral security relations, Morocco’s significant role in promoting regional stability, and the ongoing implementation of the joint Defense Cooperation Roadmap, the US National Defense Administration said in a press release.
Both sides expressed their commitment to exploring new areas of collaboration, such as cyber defense and defense industry initiatives, while celebrating the success of the recent “African Lion” military exercise.
The meeting, attended by representatives from the US Embassy in Morocco, exemplified the longstanding friendship and collaboration between the US and Morocco.
The senators commended the strong ties fostered through the Bilateral Defense Consultative Committee and highlighted the importance of high-level exchanges between the two countries. They also acknowledged Morocco’s role under the leadership of King Mohammed VI in promoting peace and stability across Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
For the part of Morocco, Minister Loudyi expressed satisfaction with the depth of military cooperation and the implementation of the Defense Cooperation Roadmap, signed in October 2020 to outline strategic priorities for the period from 2020 to 2030.
Both sides also celebrated the successful execution of the “African Lion” military exercise, particularly its 20th edition, which saw participation from over 7,000 troops from various African, Arab, and European countries, alongside the US and Morocco.
