Marruecos y Estados Unidos renuevan su posición como aliados esenciales
As part of ongoing efforts to improve collaboration and bilateral ties between Rabat and Washington, a US Congressional delegation has paid an official visit to Morocco. Abdellatif Loudiyi, Moroccan Minister Delegate for the National Defence Administration, received a delegation led by Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. According to a statement from the National Defence Administration, the Congress "expressed its enthusiasm during the meeting for the major reforms" that the Kingdom has implemented under the directives of King Mohammed VI.
The US delegation also emphasised the value of the historic friendship and cooperation between Morocco and the United States, reiterating Washington's determination to strengthen this strategic partnership in a variety of areas, including military, security and trade. This is evidenced by the number of agreements the two have reached in the past year that have led to exponential growth for the Kingdom, particularly in the military sphere.
He also recalled the approval of the US national defence budget for 2023. The Kingdom of Morocco is the main beneficiary of the FY 2023 National Defence Authorisation Act because it offers several opportunities, including environmental spending and arms sales. The decision to adopt the resolution was made in response to pressure from some senators who support the Polisario Front and lobbied through the use of hostile language to halt military cooperation between Morocco and the United States.
The US and Morocco are also ready to move forward in their military cooperation. Loudiyi reaffirmed the North African country's desire to deepen cooperation with one of its most important allies in addition to bilateral ties. He recalled the trilateral agreement signed in December 2020 by Rabat, Tel Aviv and Washington, which marked the White House's decision to recognise Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its provinces in the Western Sahara region.
The delegation reaffirmed the nation's admiration for Morocco's initiatives and contribution to the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean. The two states work together on a variety of fronts, including security. The main area of cooperation between the two nations is counterterrorism, and Washington and Rabat have expressed a desire to further consolidate their partnership.
The US deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East welcomed the two countries' cooperation on counterterrorism in February and referred to the North African nation as a 'critical partner' compatible with US interests and objectives. Most notably: countering violent extremism. Loudiyi welcomed defence cooperation between the two nations, as well as security cooperation, and recalled the favourable decisions taken by the US Congress and Senate regarding military cooperation between the two states.
The US Congressional delegation was joined by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. The purpose of the visit is to improve the interoperability of the armed forces as Morocco and the United States prepare to conduct the multilateral military exercise known as "African Lion". Nearly 6,000 soldiers from 20 African nations and other countries around the world will participate in the exercise, which is the largest in Africa. From 22 May to 16 June, several Moroccan cities, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Mehbes, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir and Tifnit, will host the 19th edition of the exercise.
Washington's support for the Mohammed VI-led kingdom is crucial. US logistical and strategic assistance has been essential to stability in the region since the beginning of the year. The commemoration of the African Lion has become one of the most prominent dates on the shared calendars of Morocco and the United States, marking each year the anniversary of their strategic military alliance, as well as their close diplomatic ties.
Americas Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra.
