Morocco, Israel Renew Commitment To Boost Military Cooperation for Regional Peace

The meeting served as an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their determination to boost military cooperation and exchange expertise in a variety of fields.

Rabat – Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense Management, Abdellatif Loudiyi, received Israel’s Army Chief, Aviv Kohavi, today.

Kohavi is leading a large delegation from Israel, the Moroccan state news agency reported.

In the meeting, Loudyi reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to combat security challenges, the migration crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loudyi also stressed Morocco’s intent to initiate defense industry projects.

The Israeli security official, for his part, commended Morocco’s important role in contributing to the region’s peace and stability.

The two officials also welcomed the quality of cooperation between the two countries’ militaries, reiterating their shared ambition to further advance collaboration in the field.

A statement from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR)  said that the visit seeks to boost bilateral cooperation as part of the tripartite agreement between Israel, Morocco, and the US.

The three countries signed the agreement in December 2020, days after Morocco and Israel re-established diplomatic ties.

The agreement was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of defense on November 24, 2021, the statement recalled.

In addition to Loudyi, Morocco’s Lietuanal General, Inspector General of the FAR, and Commander of the Southern Zone also received the Israeli top security official.

During the meeting, the two military officials “expressed their satisfaction with the level of Morocco-Israel relations,” the FAR statement added.

The relations, the press release noted, are marked by the exchange of experiences and expertise.

The statement also recalled the participation of Israel’s army in the African Lion 2022 military exercises organized by Morocco and the US.

The communique concluded by emphasizing the importance of Moroccan-Israeli military cooperation, saying that officials from both countries examined the opportunities to “further develop” their collaboration.

Last year, Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz signed an agreement with Loudyi in Rabat.

The agreement included the regulation of intelligence cooperation, security procurement, and joint training exercises.

In November 2021, FAR acquired Israel’s Skylock Dome System as part of Morocco’sdetermination to upgrade its military firing power.

FAR also received five anti-drone defense systems from the same company.