Rabat — US Air Force General Dagvin Anderson from US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) recently visited Morocco, reinforcing the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries.
The visit included high-level defense discussions and a tour of Ben Guerir Air Base, according to the US embassy in Morocco, reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to advancing peace, security, and prosperity across the African continent.
This collaboration underscores the strategic importance of US-Morocco relations in promoting regional stability and mutual defense objectives.
In October, Anderson paid a visit to Morocco, where he met with the country’s Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi.
The two officials held talks commending the strong bilateral military relations and cooperation between Morocco and the US.
The talks allowed for the two sides to reiterate their shared commitment to leveling up the strategic partnership, framed by the 2020-2030 defense cooperation roadmap signed in Rabat on October 2, 2020.
The two sides also expressed a mutual interest in broadening collaboration to new areas, including the development of Morocco’s defense industry and the modernization of its armed forces.
US-Morocco longstanding relations
The US and Morocco share one of the oldest and most strategic defense partnerships in Africa, rooted in a friendship treaty signed in 1786 — solidifying Morocco as the first nation to recognize American independence after a decade of informal but symbolic recognition of America.
This enduring relationship has evolved into a comprehensive security alliance that encompasses military cooperation, joint training exercises, and intelligence sharing. Morocco serves as a key ally to the US in North Africa, providing crucial support for regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.
The two nations regularly conduct joint military exercises, including the annual African Lion exercise, which has become one of the largest military drills on the African continent, bringing together forces from multiple nations to enhance interoperability and readiness.
Recent years have seen significant expansion in defense collaboration between Washington and Rabat, particularly following the US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020.
Morocco’s strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East makes it an invaluable partner for US security interests in the region.
The North African country has invested heavily in modernizing its military capabilities and became a major non-NATO ally in 2004, facilitating defense equipment purchases and technology transfers.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Morocco plays an active role in peacekeeping missions and regional security initiatives, aligning closely with international objectives for promoting stability, combating extremism and terrorism, and fostering prosperity across the African continent.
