The annual Country Cooperation Meeting (CCM) took place on September 20, focusing on military-to-military engagements under the historic and strategic partnership between the United States and Morocco, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Morocco.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Brigadier General Shawn Holtz served as the US co-chair for the event.
The annual Country Cooperation Meeting (CCM) is a major planning event that covers all military-to-military engagements under the U.S. – Morocco historic and strategic partnership. While serving as the U.S. co-chair, U.S. Africa Command @USAfricaCommand Brigadier General Shawn… pic.twitter.com/UwElMMrwsO
— U.S. Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) September 20, 2024
During the meeting, General Holtz visited the Royal Armed Forces Military History Direction (DHM), where he explored Morocco’s military history.
The US and Morocco have a long-standing history of military cooperation, with Morocco currently being the largest purchaser of US military equipment in Africa. Since 2013, Morocco has received equipment worth USD 478 million under a special program.
The two nations maintain strong military ties through joint security operations. Since the late 1990s, Morocco has hosted the African Lion training exercise, which brings together US and Moroccan forces alongside participants from over twenty countries and NATO.
Under US Africa Command since 2008, African Lion has become the largest joint military exercise on the continent, with thousands of troops participating annually.
In addition, since 2003, Morocco has partnered with the Utah National Guard as part of the US National Guard State Partnership Program, providing specialized training and exchange opportunities for the Moroccan Armed Forces.