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Doha – Senior US Air Force officials arrived at the Marrakech Airshow 2024 (MAS) on October 29 to engage with Moroccan counterparts, showcase American aircraft, and reaffirm the strong, trust-based relationship between the two nations.
The biennial trade show, which runs from October 30 to November 2 at the Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base, features static and aerial displays of military and civilian aircraft and provides a platform for international aerospace industry representatives to showcase their capabilities.
The United States is participating in MAS 2024 with several aircraft, including a C-130J Super Hercules from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a Utah Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker.
The Utah National Guard has maintained an active partnership with Morocco since 2003 through the State Partnership Program, fostering a strong, trust-based relationship focused on security cooperation.
According to an official statement, Brig. Gen. Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, expressed his satisfaction with the return to Morocco. “The interactions and exchanges we have with our partners at MAS 2024 allow us to learn from and leverage the strengths of other nations,” he stated.
The airshow also serves as an opportunity for high-level military officials to meet with their Moroccan Royal Armed Forces counterparts and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
US Air Force Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, Deputy Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs for US Africa Command, emphasized the longstanding partnership between the United States and the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco, highlighting Morocco’s hosting of AFRICOM’s largest exercise, African Lion, and the Utah National Guard’s partnership with Morocco for over 20 years.
“The Marrakech Air Show is one more opportunity to strengthen our relationship, exchange ideas, promote trust, and bolster security cooperation in the region,” Brig. Gen. Holtz added.
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US Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar, who is also attending the airshow, congratulated Morocco on the success of the event and welcomed the opportunity for US companies to showcase their cutting-edge technology, exemplifying American innovation.
“Morocco’s rapidly growing role as a regional economic hub and investments in aerospace infrastructure make this an exciting time to grow our partnership,” Ambassador Talwar said.
The Marrakech Airshow, which has been held every two years since 2008 but was on hiatus since 2018 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as a hub for key players in the aeronautics industry to exchange expertise and sign potential cooperation agreements.
According to the official statement, the airshow and discussions highlight the strategic partnership between the United States and Morocco, which is rooted in centuries of shared interests in regional peace, security, and prosperity, as well as a longstanding commitment to continued cooperation.
US Air Force participation also strengthens US and international security assistance efforts and strategic partnerships with African countries.
This year’s edition features an impressive lineup, including 12,500 square meters of exhibition space, 300 exhibitors, over 75 official delegations, thrilling aerial displays, a dynamic exhibition area, and a packed program of high-level conferences addressing emerging trends and current and future challenges in the field.
The event is organized as part of a partnership between the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Defence Administration, and MEDZ, a subsidiary of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG).
Read also: Marrakech Air Show Puts Morocco on the Map as Aerospace Hub
