A lengthy detailed report from Jeune Afrique has highlighted the key factors behind Morocco’s selection to host the 93rd General Assembly of Interpol in Marrakech next year.
According to the report published today, the decision reflects Morocco’s growing role in global security, fueled by partnerships with major partners like the US, the EU, and African countries.
Some of the major factors are Morocco’s direct involvement in and contributions to regional counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, as well as its South-South cooperation.
“Morocco’s intelligence expertise has further strengthened partnerships with France and Spain, helping prevent terrorist attacks and dismantling active cells,” the report said, also recalling the strong partnership with the US and NATO.
US reports and officials frequently emphasize Morocco’s contributions, describing the North African country as a strategic ally at all levels –including security.
In October, Javier Colomina, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighborhood, said that Morocco remains an “indispensable player” in security cooperation.
During his visit to Morocco, the NATO official stressed the country’s counter-terrorism efforts, renewing commitment to the opportunities and ways to deepen political, civil, and military cooperation between Morocco and NATO.
The US and high-level officials echo similar remarks during meetings and reports, highlighting Morocco’s role in maintaining regional stability.
In April, the US State Department described Morocco as a “vital” US partner in different regional security issues, noting that the two countries share the same goal to ensure a “stable, secure, and prosperous Middle East and North Africa.”
“The United States works closely with Morocco to promote regional stability, counter-terrorism, strengthen trade and investment ties, and support Morocco’s development and reform efforts,” the statement said.
US Secretary Antony Blinken reiterated the same position in a meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in October, saying that his country places “great importance” on its partnership with Morocco, “particularly in support of stability in the Middle East, as well as in Africa and North Africa.”
Blinken added: “Morocco is an essential partner of the United States, and I highly value the relationship between our two countries.”
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Jeune Afrique highlighted the major partnerships Morocco shares with the international community, noting that the Moroccan security management expertise attracted countries worldwide, notably European nations.
“A solid partner for Europe, Morocco has also proven to be a strategic ally for the European Union in managing migration flows,” Jeune Afrique wrote, recalling the partnership between Rabat and Madrid to monitor migration routes.
The report also cited the ever-Morocco-France cooperation, particularly France’s request of Moroccan assistance for the security of the Paris Olympic Games.
It recalled the numerous visits to Paris by the chief of Morocco’s National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, to strengthen security cooperation.
“This partnership highlights France’s recognition of Morocco’s expertise in crowd management and security for large events,” the report added.
France renewed interest in boosting cooperation with Morocco during Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Rabat on October 28-30.
Macron notably addressed the Moroccan parliament during his visit, reiterating his support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and stressing the need to further deepen Franco-Moroccan partnership.
In addition, Macron hailed shared values and cooperation on critical issues like migration, counter-terrorism, and interfaith efforts.
Paris and Rabat have been working together to create “a secure and controlled space” grounded in trust and mutual respect, Macron argued, saying he hopes France and Morocco can pave the way for a Mediterranean region where people, cultures, and ideas flourish peacefully.
In 2023, Interpol announced the unanimous choice of Morocco to host the organization’s 93rd General Assembly in Marrakech in 2025.
“The choice of Morocco’s candidacy was unanimously adopted with applause, deviating from the usual voting procedure,” Hammouchi said following the announcement, noting that countries that had also submitted their bid opted to withdraw when they realized that Morocco had applied to host the event in 2025.
Morocco’s recent election as Interpol’s Vice President for Africa was also a testament to the country’s regional security leadership. The vote recognized Morocco’s efforts to maintain security and stability at the regional and international levels.
