Morocco and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are bolstering their military relationship, with high-level officials from both countries meeting in Rabat to discuss cooperation. General Mohamed Berrid, Inspector General of Morocco's Armed Forces, received Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, as part of the third meeting of the Moroccan-Emirati Joint Military Committee. The talks were held under the instructions of King Mohammed VI.
During the visit, King Mohammed VI awarded Al Mazrouei the Grand Officer rank of the Military Order of Merit, recognizing his efforts to strengthen military ties between the two nations. The meeting also saw Berrid and Al Mazrouei commend the growing partnership, particularly in areas such as capability development, defense industry, and training to exchange expertise. Both countries expressed their commitment to further consolidating and developing their cooperation.
The UAE delegation will also participate in the Marrakech Air Show 2026, scheduled to take place from October 7-10. This event provides an opportunity for the two countries to showcase their military capabilities and further enhance their cooperation. Morocco and the UAE signed their first military agreement in 1980, reflecting their long-standing commitment to strengthening their military relationship.
The visit comes amid rising regional tensions, including Algeria's decision to sever diplomatic ties with the UAE on September 10. Algeria cited "provocative or hostile acts" and gave the UAE ambassador a 48-hour deadline to leave the country. The decision also included closing its airspace to all UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft. This move is part of a larger context of regional instability.
Algeria's decision to sever ties with the UAE is not an isolated incident, as it also severed ties with Morocco in 2021, accusing Rabat of causing wildfires. Morocco called these allegations unfounded and fallacious. Rabat has extended an olive branch to restore diplomatic ties with Algeria, amid an already fragile region due to terrorism and escalations.
The tensions in the region are further complicated by Algeria's support for Polisario's separatism and independence claims in Western Sahara, which challenges Morocco's territorial integrity. Morocco has been pushing for a more integrated mining model to boost Africa's industrial value chains, and strengthening its military ties with the UAE is part of its efforts to maintain stability in the region.
The strengthening of military ties between Morocco and the UAE is a significant development in the region, as both countries seek to enhance their cooperation and address regional challenges. The two countries will continue to work together to consolidate and develop their military partnership, with a focus on capability development, defense industry, and training.
Key points
- Morocco and UAE enhance military cooperation amid regional tensions
- King Mohammed VI awards UAE Chief of Staff the Grand Officer rank of the Military Order of Merit
- Algeria's decision to sever diplomatic ties with UAE adds to regional instability
