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The new commander of AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson, is currently visiting Morocco. On Monday, October 20, he met with Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense Administration, in Rabat.
The discussions focused on «the commitment to strengthen the strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States, embodied by the 2020-2030 defense cooperation roadmap, signed in Rabat on October 2, 2020. Both parties reaffirmed their desire to consolidate military cooperation in new areas and to stimulate the development of the defense industry in Morocco», according to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
General Anderson was also received by General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone. «This meeting allowed for the exploration of multiple aspects of bilateral military cooperation in a spirit of enhanced partnership, notably the modernization and strengthening of the operational capabilities of the FAR as well as joint training exercises.»
The officials also «exchanged views on the regional situation and examined ways to enhance security and stability in the region», the statement added.
It is worth recalling that last August, General Anderson indicated during his Senate hearing that Morocco could play a key role in the new structure of AFRICOM.
The United States is indeed considering creating a separate military command for operations in Africa, following the Senate's approval of a new commander for AFRICOM. This decision is expected to formalize the separation of AFRICOM from USAREUR-AF. Morocco is being considered as a potential host for the new headquarters. This reorganization comes amid increased geopolitical competition in Africa, particularly with China and Russia.
Since June 2004, Morocco has held the status of major non-NATO ally of the United States.
