Spain and Morocco strengthen counterterrorism cooperation
Spain and Morocco have strengthened strategic cooperation in the fight against terrorism and in security matters at meetings held in Madrid between the Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance of Morocco, Abdellatif Hammouchi, and Spanish security officials.
In addition, Hammouchi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Civil Guard in Madrid, the highest distinction granted by this Spanish institution to foreign personalities for their work in promoting cooperation in security matters.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Hammouchi held bilateral meetings with Spanish security officials, focusing on strengthening joint operations against terrorism, violent extremism, and drug trafficking, as well as addressing cybercrime and human trafficking.
Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening operational channels and technical assistance, within the framework of cooperation considered exemplary by international security agencies.
Civil Guard award
According to diplomatic sources, the recognition of Hammouchi symbolizes “the strength of the Spanish-Moroccan strategic alliance in police and counterterrorism matters,” an essential pillar of stability in the western Mediterranean and North Africa.
The award ceremony, presided over by Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, was attended by the Director General of the Civil Guard, Mercedes González Fernández, Brigadier General Luis Peláez Piñero, and several senior security officials from both countries.
Grande-Marlaska stressed that the award to Hammouchi is a “formal recognition of the decisive role played by Morocco in shared security,” highlighting his direct involvement in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, and illegal immigration, as well as his leadership in the modernization of Moroccan intelligence and security services.
“This distinction represents the mutual trust and respect between two countries that cooperate closely in all areas of security,” said the minister, who also highlighted the importance of this collaboration in view of the 2030 World Cup, jointly organized by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
Sustained international recognition
The awarding of the Grand Cross comes after a long history of international recognition for the Moroccan official. In 2014, Spain had already awarded him the Honorary Cross of Police Merit with red distinction, one of the country's highest police honors.
France, for its part, has decorated Hammouchi on three occasions, most recently in June 2025, when he was named Officer of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his cooperation in security and counterterrorism.
Likewise, in 2025, the Arab Interior Ministers Council awarded him the Prince Nayef Medal of Arab Security, first class, for his efforts to promote coordination between Arab countries in the field of intelligence.
