Abdeltif Loudyi, Morocco’s Delegate Minister for National Defense Administration, received today a delegation of US Congress members at the National Defense Administration headquarters in Rabat.
The distinguished congressional delegation underscored the long-standing history of friendship and collaboration between the two nations, solidified by a robust strategic military partnership rooted in substantial legal agreements.
Notably, the roadmap for defense cooperation 2020-2030, inked in October 2020 during the visit of the US Secretary of Defense to Morocco, has been a cornerstone of this partnership, as outlined in an official statement from the National Defense Administration.
Members of Congress also highlighted the continuous strengthening of military cooperation, facilitated through the tireless efforts of the Defense Advisory Committee and regular visits by high-ranking officials from both nations. They commended the pivotal role played by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, in advancing peace and stability in regions spanning Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
In response, Minister Abdeltif Loudyi referenced the tripartite declaration signed by Morocco, the United States, and Israel in December 2020 before King Mohammed VI. He further emphasized the importance of the United States’ recognition of Morocco’s complete sovereignty over the Sahara region, a decision that underscored the strong bond between the two nations.
Moreover, the Minister lauded the recent decisions made by the US Congress and Senate regarding the US Defense Budget, specifically the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which reaffirmed their commitment to military cooperation with Morocco.
Loudyi stressed the value of bilateral military collaboration, including the regular conduct of the multilateral military exercise known as “African Lion,” which enhances the interoperability of their armed forces.
As the meeting concluded, both sides expressed their appreciation for the robustness of their military cooperation and their shared commitment to exploring new avenues for collaboration. This exploration extends to areas such as cyber defense, space endeavors, and defense industry ventures, underlining their determination to adapt to evolving security challenges.
Minister Loudyi’s meeting with the US congressional delegation comes as Rabat and Wahsington continue to signal their readiness to further deepen their enduring and deep-rooted partnership.
Both parties made sure during the meeting to highlight their joint commitment to peace, security, and stability in the broader international arena.
In the current context of constantly evolving US-Morocco ties, this meeting further cements the foundation upon which the two countries’ strategic military cooperation is built, promising a future of strengthened ties and shared endeavors.
