Morocco and France reaffirm defence ties
Morocco and France reaffirmed their robust defence partnership during the 22nd session of the Joint Military Commission held in Rabat on December 2nd, according to The Arab Weekly and agencies.
The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone General Mohammed Berrid and Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces General Thierry Burkhard.
Local media reported the discussions between the two generals focused on advancing bilateral military cooperation and assessing pressing security issues.
FAR’s General Staff noted the leaders’ satisfaction with the growing partnership between the armed forces of the two countries, which they claimed was as “a testament to the strong and evolving ties between Morocco and France.”
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The recent partnership follows Macron’s October state visit to Morocco, where he reiterated France’s full support for Morocco’s territorial claim over Western Sahara.
Macron and the Moroccan king signed a joint Declaration during the visit expressing a strong commitment to co-operation addressing shared challenges within the framework of a “Strengthened Exceptional Partnership.”
The document allows for closer cooperation in vital fields such as food security, infrastructure, water management, security, defence, vaccines, energy transition, education and culture as well as cooperation in organising global sports events.
In another meeting, Moroccan Minister Delegate in charge of National Defence Administration Abdeltif Loudyi hosted General Burkhard to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation into new fields including space exploration, AI for military use, cybersecurity and defence.
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The Royal Moroccan Navy and the French Navy conducted the Chebec naval exercises, an annual event that began in 1994, from October 7th to October 13th.
They also carried out a joint military exercise in the High Atlas Mountains, to simulate new and complex combat tactics in rugged areas, from October 20th to November 14th, with the participation of France’s 13th Regiment of Chasseurs Alpins and the 1st Regiment of Atlas Hunters of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.
The Arab Weekly
