Morocco and its cooperation with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism

In the framework of the 79th session of the United Nations Assembly in New York, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Vladimir Voronkov, met for the first session of the High-Level Strategic Dialogue.

This agreement represents an important step forward in the strategic relationship between the two sides, especially in supporting African countries in their fight against terrorism and extreme violence. The dialogue is a breakthrough in the partnership between Morocco and UNOCT that will help strengthen Africa's capacities to confront new security threats. 

Morocco and UNOCT collaborate with regional and international actors to address new security threats through innovative partnerships. Morocco's role is increasingly important in the international security arena. With military agreements with six of the ten most powerful arms powers, Morocco positions itself as one of the strongest supporters of defence and counter-terrorism. 

In this regard, Nasser Bourita praised the constant work of UNOCT in supporting African countries in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, especially in the Sahel region, where armed groups are concentrated and carry out most of their atrocities. Rabat thus reaffirms its commitment to promote strategic and multilateral cooperation, in accordance with the principles and resolutions of the United Nations. 

Information exchange, collaboration in the field, and support for the training of military personnel are part of the agreements that the North African country has with several of its defence partners. This exchange of ideas represents a clear advance in cooperation between Morocco and UNOCT, contributing to the strengthening of African capabilities to face security risks. 

In addition to the agreements, both sides pledged to seek new partnerships with different local and international actors to address new security threats. 

Part of Morocco's commitment was the establishment of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office in Rabat in 2021. More than 1,500 people from 30 African countries have been trained there and, since it became operational, it has been involved in more than 200 counter-terrorism operations. 

As host country, Morocco plays a key role in the fight against terrorism on the African continent. With dozens of workshops and initiatives every year, the North African country is actively fighting terrorism. 

Minister Bourita mentioned that Morocco, as the originator of the African Atlantic States Process (AASP), is committed to further collaboration with other counter-terrorism efforts, such as local and regional initiatives. The parties discussed the planning of a conference on counter-terrorism and maritime security on the African Atlantic coast, to be held on 3-4 December 2024. 

Both sides welcomed the holding of the third high-level meeting of leaders of counter-terrorism and security agencies in Africa, known as the ‘Marrakech Platform’. 

The Under-Secretary General thanked Morocco for its support to UNOCT Programme Office activities, such as the Global Fusion Cells Programme and the Counter-Terrorism Research Programme. 

Morocco and UNOCT will work together to ensure the success of the next Annual Forum of Technical Assistance Recipients to be held in Rabat on 29 and 20 November. The holding of this conference will be a further opportunity for providers and recipients to assess the performance of activities to curb the activities of terrorist organisations. It was also agreed to hold a second High Level Dialogue at the next session of the UN General Assembly in 2025.