USAFRICOM General’s Visit Reinforces Strategic US–Morocco Defense Partnership
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: A recent visit to Morocco by US Air Force General Dagvin Anderson of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) has highlighted the deepening defense cooperation and longstanding strategic partnership between the United States and Morocco.
According to the US Embassy in Morocco, the visit featured high-level defense discussions and a tour of Ben Guerir Air Base, underscoring both countries’ shared commitment to strengthening peace, security, and prosperity across the African continent. The engagement reaffirmed the strategic weight of US–Morocco cooperation in advancing regional stability and mutual defense interests.
General Anderson previously visited Morocco in October, holding talks with Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the National Defense Administration. During those discussions, both sides lauded the strong bilateral military ties and reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the strategic partnership under the 2020–2030 defense cooperation roadmap, signed in Rabat on October 2, 2020.
The talks also explored expanded cooperation in new areas, including the development of Morocco’s defense industry and continued modernization of its armed forces — a sector in which both sides expressed mutual interest.
Longstanding US–Morocco Relations
The United States and Morocco share one of the oldest and most significant defense partnerships in Africa, rooted in the historic 1786 Treaty of Friendship, which recognized Morocco as the first nation to formally acknowledge American independence after years of symbolic support.
Over the centuries, this relationship has evolved into a comprehensive security alliance encompassing military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint training exercises. Morocco remains a pivotal US ally in North Africa, contributing critically to efforts in counterterrorism, regional stability, and peacekeeping.
The two nations conduct several joint military activities each year, most notably the African Lion exercise — one of Africa’s largest military drills — bringing together multiple armed forces to enhance interoperability and operational readiness.
Defense collaboration has deepened in recent years, particularly following the US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020. Morocco’s strategic geographical position at the intersection of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East further amplifies its role as a key security partner for Washington.
Since becoming a major non-NATO ally in 2004, Morocco has invested significantly in upgrading its defense capabilities, backed by technology transfers and equipment procurement facilitated through its partnership with the United States.
Beyond bilateral engagements, Morocco remains an active contributor to international peacekeeping operations and regional security initiatives. Its efforts align closely with global objectives aimed at promoting stability, combating extremism and terrorism, and supporting prosperity across Africa.
