U.S. Official Hails Morocco’s ‘Invaluable’ Leadership in Regional, International Security

United States’ Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins commended Morocco’s “invaluable” leadership and collaboration on regional and international security issues during a visit to Rabat on Tuesday, praising HM King Mohammed VI’s “visionary approach” for Africa. “I thank Morocco for its partnership and cooperation in ensuring greater security in Africa, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and his visionary approach to the continent,” Jenkins told the press after a meeting with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates. The U.S. official indicated that during the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the United States and Morocco, as well as the roles of both countries in enhancing international security in Africa and the region. From issues of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament to those related to emerging technologies and regional security, she emphasized that “Morocco’s leadership and collaboration are invaluable” in these areas. Jenkins recalled that strong partnerships worldwide are crucial to address growing threats and strengthen the security necessary for peace and prosperity. The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming African Political Conference within the framework of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), scheduled to take place in Marrakech from January 31 to February 2. The PSI is an international cooperation program involving 106 countries that aims to prevent the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials. According to the U.S. official, the conference will involve the participation of several African countries, as well as regional partners and allies. The PSI’s objective is to create alliances between states to collaborate and use their national resources to establish various legal, diplomatic, and military instruments to prevent the transportation of dangerous cargoes by road, air, or sea. “We hope to expand the PSI through partnerships with several African countries and continue the global effort to counter the spread of these destabilizing weapons,” she noted. The meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar, and the Director of the United Nations and International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Redouane Houssaini.