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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting With Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Lieutenant General Abdelfattah Louarak

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper today met in Rabat with Abdelfatah Louarak, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, to discuss the strategic partnership between the two countries. Secretary Esper acknowledged Morocco's continued leadership role in promoting peace and stability throughout Africa, especially through the participation of the Moroccan Armed Forces in UN peacekeeping missions and the provision of lifesaving humanitarian support to conflict zones from Africa to Beirut and beyond. 

The Secretary also recognized Morocco's hosting of regular international military training and educational programs that include officers and soldiers from across Africa, enhancing their training and professional development and imparting skills and education developed in partnership with the United States.

The Secretary and the Inspector General discussed the importance of the new Roadmap for Defense Cooperation between the United States and Morocco. They noted the roadmap prioritizes cooperation in a range of areas including enhancing Moroccan military capacity, deepening interoperability, boosting force readiness, and supporting Morocco's role in maintaining regional security.