Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of Defense Administration, met with a U.S. Congressional delegation on Monday at the National Defense Administration headquarters in Rabat.
The delegation, led by Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-KS), Chairperson of the House Armed Services Committee, included seven members of Congress who serve on various Congressional committees, including those which oversee Financial Services, Supplies, Foreign Affairs, Budget, Agriculture, Energy, and Commerce.
The U.S. Congressional members expressed appreciation for “the historical friendship and cooperation” between the United States and Morocco, which has been strengthened by a strategic, multifaceted partnership and ongoing high-level exchanges, according to the National Defense Administration’s press release.
The American politicians also commended Morocco’s “crucial role in promoting peace and stability across Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, as well as initiatives and projects to foster development and shared prosperity across Africa.”
Loudiyi highlighted the progress the countries have made in military cooperation and the implementation of the Defense Cooperation Roadmap, signed in October 2020, which outlines major priorities for defense collaboration for the period 2020-2030.
All underscored the already “high level of collaboration” between Morocco’s and the US’s armed forces, particularly showcased by the annual “African Lion” joint military exercise. Now in its 20th year, this year’s exercise included over 7,000 troops from African, Arab, and European countries, along with U.S. and Moroccan forces.
The delegations said that they are committed to exploring and enhancing new financial and technical cooperation opportunities.
U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar and other officials from the U.S. Embassy in Rabat attended the meeting.