Will Morocco join NATO?
Relations between NATO and Morocco have strengthened as the chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer visited the North African Kingdom to discuss their correspondence.
On the 29th of April, Admiral Bauer attended a news conference in Rabat, where he praised Morocco’s role as a key partner in the fight against regional threats, reports the Arab Weekly plus agencies.
During his three-day visit to the North African Kingdom, Bauer noted Morocco’s active participation in NATO exercises, providing enlightening expertise in illegal immigration control, counter terrorism and maritime security. He commended Morocco’s dedication to economic, social and political reforms along with its long-standing commitment to international security.
He stressed Morocco’s strong ties with NATO, built through the Mediterranean Dialogue and NATO’s cooperation programme, stating “NATO is proud to count Morocco among it’s partners.”
The growling relations between NATO and Morocco were discussed in a meeting between Admiral Bauer and Morocco’s Minister in charge of the National Defence Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi.
“The admiral’s visit to the kingdom was part of NATO’s efforts to strengthen its partnership with members of the Mediterranean dialogue, with a view to assess the regional security situation and consolidate opportunities for cooperation with the Alliance,” the National Defence Administration said in a statement on the 29th.
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Bauer related the challenges that both NATO and countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region face, including terrorism, extremism and nuclear proliferation. He stressed the need for increased collaboration between the organisation and the North African kingdom, stating “While approaches may differ, transforming our diversity into strength is crucial.”
The Admiral gave a lecture at the Royal College of Higher Military Education in Kenitra for military officers on the same day as the meeting. The theme of the lecture was “NATO’s perspectives and strategies.”
While Morocco was designated a major non-NATO ally in 2004, NATO officials frequently emphasise the importance of cooperation with the North African Kingdom, which has been present in high- level events to discuss its role and commitment towards regional security.
Morocco’s law enforcement, as well as the Kingdom’s army have participated in several NATO-sponsored events, including Operation Sea Guardian alongside forces from Britain, Spain and Portugal.
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In his 2023 annual report, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted the importance of partnership with Morocco in tackling security challenges.
Moroccan officials say that the North African Country continues to strengthen it’s security approach to address several challenges, including the scourge of terrorism-related crimes, in addition to other forms of transnational crimes including human trafficking, among others.
As it is the fifth-largest economy in Africa and wields significant influence in both Africa and the Arab world, by strengthening these relations with Morocco, NATO could utilise this partnership in future. However, In order to form a successful partnership, NATO must be a better listener and invest in its collaborations by collecting human capital and expertise, added Bauer.
The Arab Weekly/ Agencies.
