Morocco and Saudi Arabia have engaged in talks to bolster their military cooperation, with a focus on regional security and stability. According to reports, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman recently spoke with Moroccan Minister Delegate in Charge of National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi. The two officials discussed various aspects of their military cooperation and joint efforts to address regional security challenges.
The phone call took place against the backdrop of recent attacks on Saudi territory by Houthi rebels. In response, Moroccan King Mohammed VI sent messages of support to Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on September 26. The messages condemned the attacks and emphasized the importance of Saudi security to Morocco's own national security.
King Mohammed VI's messages highlighted the need for cooperation to address regional security threats. He stated that any aggression against Saudi Arabia is considered an aggression against Morocco, underscoring the interlinked security of the two nations. The Moroccan monarch also expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and economic targets, as well as attempts to target holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
The relationship between Morocco and Saudi Arabia has been building since 2011, when the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) invited Morocco and Jordan to join the organization. Although Morocco did not formally join, it established a strategic partnership with the GCC and received a $1.25 billion development grant from Saudi Arabia. This cooperation has continued, with Morocco joining the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015.
In recent years, Morocco has reiterated its commitment to regional security cooperation. In 2016, King Mohammed VI stated that the security of Morocco and GCC states is "one and indivisible." Although Morocco reportedly ceased participation in Saudi-led coalition operations in Yemen in 2019, it has continued to engage with GCC countries on security issues.
The latest talks between Morocco and Saudi Arabia reflect a shared concern for regional stability. The two countries have emphasized the need for cooperation to address security challenges, including the threat posed by Houthi rebels. This cooperation is seen as essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The enhanced military cooperation between Morocco and Saudi Arabia is part of a broader regional effort to address security challenges. The GCC has been working to strengthen its defense capabilities, and Morocco's participation in these efforts reflects its commitment to regional security. Key aspects of this cooperation include intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and capacity building.
Key points
- Morocco and Saudi Arabia are strengthening their military cooperation to address regional security challenges.
- The two countries have a long-standing relationship, with Morocco receiving a $1.25 billion development grant from Saudi Arabia in 2011.
- King Mohammed VI has emphasized that Moroccan and GCC security are interlinked, underscoring the need for cooperation to address regional threats.
