USAFRICOM Commander Visits Rabat to Strengthen Morocco-US Defense Partnership

Rabat – Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, held talks on Monday in Rabat with General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the US Africa Command (USAFRICOM), who is on a working visit to Morocco.

According to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the two officials commended the strength of bilateral relations between Morocco and the US, particularly in the field of military cooperation. 

They reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening the Morocco-US 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.

Later in the day, Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone, met with General Anderson at the FAR General Staff headquarters. 

Discussions focused on the multiple dimensions of bilateral military cooperation, particularly capacity building, operational readiness, and joint training exercises.

The annual “African Lion” exercise, co-organized by the two countries, was described as the clearest example of interoperability and strategic coordination between the Moroccan and American armed forces.

The meeting also addressed regional security challenges, with both generals exploring ways to reinforce peace and stability across Africa.

General Anderson commended the professionalism of the FAR, describing them as a leading institution in fostering cooperation with African counterparts and in promoting peace and security on the continent.

Bilateral military ties between Morocco and the US, the statement added, are “solid and fruitful,” reflecting long-standing relations between the two countries. 

This partnership rests on shared expertise, training programs, defense industry development, and the acquisition and integration of modern military technologies, elements that enhance both countries’ ability to confront complex and evolving security threats.