Enhancing Military Cooperation: Morocco and NATO

April 9, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

Morocco stands to gain significantly from NATO’s expertise in command and control, training, military strategy, and interoperability. NATO’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Javier Colomina, has praised Morocco as an exemplary “active partner,” emphasising the Alliance’s intent to strengthen ties with the nation.

This collaboration was underscored by a recent visit from NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, led by Admiral Didier Malterre, from April 2 to 5. The delegation aimed to explore ways to boost military cooperation between the Moroccan Royal Navy and NATO. Malterre engaged in discussions with Rear Admiral Mohammed Tahine, Inspector of the Royal Navy, and subsequently visited the Naval Operations Centre in Rabat, commending the Royal Navy’s operational efficiency and organisational skills.

In an interview with Agenda Pública, Colomina highlighted Morocco’s increasing willingness to collaborate with NATO over the past few years, noting, “Morocco has experience and effective military capabilities from which we can learn.” He pointed out that the partnership is mutually beneficial, as NATO seeks to leverage Morocco’s expertise in addressing regional threats while Morocco can enhance its capabilities through NATO’s resources.

Colomina stressed the importance of creating a relationship that benefits both parties and clarified that the current focus is on strengthening political relations and practical cooperation, rather than discussing NATO membership for southern neighborhood countries. He mentioned that several African nations are seeking to improve their ties with the Alliance.

During a visit to Rabat in October 2024, Colomina met with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, positioning Morocco as an “indispensable player” in security cooperation, especially in counter-terrorism efforts. Hichem Moatadhed, an expert in strategic affairs, noted Morocco’s effective institutions and its proactive approach to managing security challenges, which have helped prevent terrorist attacks in many Western nations.

Moatadhed emphasized that Morocco’s strategic location, coupled with NATO’s defense capabilities, has fostered a strong partnership. Youssef Amrani, Morocco’s ambassador to the U.S., reiterated Morocco’s commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation with NATO, especially in addressing shared challenges.

The importance of Morocco as a key non-NATO partner was highlighted in a report by former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who noted ongoing counter-terrorism consultations. Regular discussions between Moroccan military officials and NATO counterparts aim to enhance collaboration in training and capability development for Mediterranean security.

In April 2024, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, praised Morocco’s contributions to joint exercises, particularly in counter-terrorism, irregular migration control, and maritime security. As a Major Non-NATO Ally since 2004, Morocco has proven to be a steadfast security partner to NATO member states.