Relations between Morocco and France have improved considerably since Paris declared its support for Moroccan
sovereignty over the Western Sahara. It is time to strengthen military cooperation.
The two countries reaffirmed their strong defense partnership at the 22nd session of the Joint Military Commission held today in Rabat, reflecting the shared commitment of both parties to address regional
and international security challenges.
The high-level meeting brought together General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco and Commander of the Southern Zone, and General Thierry Burkhard, Chief of
Staff of the French Armed Forces.
Talks between the two generals focused on advancing bilateral military cooperation and assessing pressing security issues.
In a statement, the FAR General Staff noted the leaders’ satisfaction with the enduring and growing partnership between their countries’ armed forces, which they described as a testament to the strong and evolving ties between Morocco and France.
The two countries have long shared a unique defense partnership, based on historical and strategic ties.
During Tuesday’s talks, the two sides agreed to build on the enhanced cooperation framework established by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at strengthening their collaboration in various defense sectors.
This collaboration follows Macron’s recent state visit to Morocco, where he reiterated France’s full support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Macron’s assertion that Morocco’s sovereignty represents the only viable framework to truly resolve the Western Sahara issue has injected new momentum into bilateral relations, consolidating trust and strengthening cooperation in strategic areas.
Key agenda items included reviewing achievements in 2024 and planning upcoming joint activities for 2025. The committee stressed the importance of maintaining operational readiness and addressing emerging threats in an increasingly complex security landscape.
In a separate meeting, Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, received General Burkhard to explore opportunities for expanding their cooperation in cutting-edge areas.
Discussions focused on space exploration, military applications of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and defense industry development.
This diversification of collaboration reflects Morocco’s strategic ambition to modernise its defense capabilities and exploit emerging technologies, while France remains a key partner in sharing expertise and resources.
Amid growing instability in parts of Africa and heightened security tensions globally, the Morocco-France defense partnership serves as a stabilising force as the two countries work to strengthen their coordination in areas such as counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and peacekeeping operations, ensuring that their armed forces remain
adaptable and effective.
The outcomes of this year’s commission reflect a shared vision to build a resilient and forward-looking partnership that can meet the demands of contemporary and future challenges.
As their ties continue to deepen, Morocco and France reaffirm their role as key players in promoting security and stability in their respective regions and beyond.
MK/Sf/ac/fss/as/APA