Abdellatif Hammouchi, the Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), held talks today with Spanish General Commissioner for Information Javier Antonio Susin Bercero.
Susin Bercero conducted a working visit to Rabat, leading a high-level security delegation to discuss bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Hammouchi and his Spanish counterpart discussed several issues, assessing terrorist risks and threats in different regions and conflict zones, particularly the Sahel and Sahara regions, said a statement from the DGST.
Morocco has long been aware of and raised alarms about the threat terrorist groups active in Sahel pose for the whole region, notably stressing the importance of a shared responsibility to address the situation.
In June, Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita reiterated Rabat’s commitment to continue tightening efforts to end the terror threats, noting that about 60% of the world’s terrorist victims have been in sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa.
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Today’s meeting between Hammouchi and his Spanish counterpart also reviewed the DGST’s role and services that are part of the joint efforts seeking to ensure the success of the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will co-host.
The two officials stressed their determination to share expertise in crime intelligence, proactivity, and the neutralization of all public security threats.
According to the DGST, the Spanish General Commissioner for Information commended the high level of cooperation between the two countries, noting that Madrid has on multiple times avoided dangerous terrorist attacks thanks to reliable intelligence from DGST services.
Morocco’s counterterrorism services have been key in contributing to Spain’s security. The North African country has helped Spain on several occasions in dismantling terrorist cells, including high-profile terrorists that sought to undermine the European country’s security.
Susin Bercero conveyed his country’s desire to continue to benefit from the DGST’s support in combating terrorism. As the Sahel and its surrounding regions face a new breed of emerging security challenges, the Spanish official hailed Morocco’s regional leadership while emphasizing the need for joint operations and simultaneous arrests.
“The discussion between the two sides was marked by a convergence of views on the need to consolidate and intensify common security cooperation mechanisms across different domains,” the DGST statement concluded.
It noted that the visit reflected the security partnership between the two countries as well as the increasing demand for Morocco’s security approach in combating terrorism and extremism.
