Doha – NATO’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood Javier Colomina believes that Morocco has demonstrated “a greater willingness to increase cooperation” with NATO compared to other regional countries over the past two to three years.
The Special Representative made these remarks on Wednesday during a recently filmed interview with the Spanish outlet Agenda Pública.
Colomina described Morocco as an outstanding “active partner” with whom NATO seeks to strengthen ties.
“Morocco has experience and effective military capabilities from which we can learn,” he said during the interview in Brussels.
The NATO official outlined the mutual benefits of the partnership, explaining that the Alliance aims to leverage Morocco’s expertise in addressing regional threats through its own means.
In turn, Morocco can benefit from NATO’s capabilities in command and control, training, military strategy, and interoperability.
“What interests us is to build a relationship that benefits both of us, the intersection between their interests and ours,” Colomina explained, adding that the relationship “must be mutually beneficial.”
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When asked about potential NATO membership for countries in the southern neighborhood, Colomina clarified that the current focus remains on strengthening political relations and practical cooperation with both existing partners and non-members.
Several African nations are exploring options to enhance their relationship with the Alliance, he noted.
Colomina visited Rabat in October 2024, where he met with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita.
During those talks, he framed Morocco as an “indispensable player” in security cooperation and a “very important partner” for the Atlantic Alliance, particularly praising the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Morocco’s role within NATO frameworks continues to be highly regarded by Alliance officials.
In April 2024, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, lauded the country’s contributions to joint exercises, particularly in counterterrorism, irregular migration control, and maritime security.
Recognized as a Major Non-NATO Ally since 2004, Morocco has long been a valued and steadfast security partner to NATO members.
