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Rabat – Morocco and Pakistan strengthened their bilateral relations by signing a defense cooperation agreement in Rabat during an official visit by Pakistan’s defense minister, who arrived in Morocco yesterday.
Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdellatif Loudyi, welcomed Mohammad Asif Khawaja, Pakistan’s Federal Defence Minister, in Rabat on Tuesday during an official visit.
The visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand the bilateral relationship between Morocco and Pakistan. Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of defense alongside Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, General Mohamed Berriz, and the Pakistani Ambassador to Rabat.
The agreement focuses on cooperation in key areas such as training, joint military exercises, cybersecurity, defence industries, military health, and exchange of expertise. It also sets up a joint follow-up mechanism to coordinate activities agreed upon by both countries.
Both ministers spoke about the importance of the partnership and discussed ways to deepen military cooperation in areas of shared interest. They also recalled Morocco’s role in South-South cooperation and regional integration initiatives, led by King Mohammed VI, which have helped the country become an important actor in regional peace and stability.
At the end of the meeting, the officials expressed their shared ambition to take the new defense cooperation agreement forward in the future. The Pakistani defense minister also presented a Pakistani-made football to Loudyi.
Khawaja also met with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Prior to the meetings, the Pakistani minister visited the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where he offered Fateha – a Quran verse prayer – and signed the Mausoleum guest book.
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This agreement marks a milestone in defence relations between Morocco and Pakistan. While the two countries have enjoyed friendly ties for years, including joint military training exercises such as counter-terrorism drills held in Pakistan in 2025, today’s MoU creates a more structured framework for future military cooperation.
The agreement comes at a time when both countries are seeking to broaden their international partnerships. Morocco has been diversifying its defense and strategic ties beyond traditional partners, while Pakistan is actively strengthening defense cooperation with friendly states.
Morocco and Pakistan share long-standing diplomatic and friendly relations based on historical ties and mutual respect. Their cooperation has included bilateral military exercises, training programmes, and high-level visits over the years.
The new defence MoU is likely to boost exchanges in training, technology, and the defence industry, and help both countries enhance their military capabilities and strategic engagement.
