AFRICOM Commander Visits Morocco

U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Michael Woods, Command Senior Enlisted Leader visited Morocco Feb. 20-21, 2024 on his third trip to the country since taking command.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Morocco Feb 22, 2024

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U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Michael Woods, Command Senior Enlisted Leader visited Morocco Feb. 20-21, 2024 on his third trip to the country since taking command.

During his official trip to Rabat, Morocco, Langley and U.S. Ambassador Puneet Talwar met with Mr. Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of the National Defense Administration and other senior Moroccan military leaders, to discuss shared security interests and future areas of potential cooperation. In addition, Langley was a guest speaker at Morocco’s military academy, Collège Royal de l’Enseignement Militaire Supérieur.

“Morocco is a key U.S. partner on a wide range of regional security issues. Our friendship dates to the very founding of the United States.” said U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco Puneet Talwar. “The United States is committed to our partnership with Morocco, whether on peacekeeping and efforts to achieve stability on the continent or support for secure, interoperable defense systems and joint exercises that advance readiness. Through visits like this, we continue to deepen our military cooperation that is critical to advancing peace and security in both our countries, in Africa, and globally.”

During a visit to the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces headquarters, Langley conducted an Honor Guard Pass and Review, followed by meetings with key officials, including General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces; General de Division Alaoui Bouhamid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Air Force; and Vice-Admiral Mostafa El Amai, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Navy and several others.

“The military partnership between the United States and Morocco is robust and poised for continued growth in the coming years.” said Langley. “This enduring collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to regional security, stability, and prosperity.”

Morocco plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional security and stability, contributing significantly to peace and prosperity in both the Middle East and across the African continent. The strategic bilateral partnership is anchored in shared interests, reflecting a mutual dedication to addressing common challenges.

“The relationship between Morocco and U.S. Africa Command is solidified through years of collaboration and combined security efforts.” said Langley. “Morocco has been a host to major U.S. military exercises, including exercises like African Lion, the largest joint military exercise in Africa.”

Morocco holds a crucial status as a key partner for the United States. The partnership is highly esteemed, with a particular appreciation for the active involvement of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in both bilateral and multinational exercises. These joint exercises serve as invaluable opportunities to boost the preparedness of our respective military forces and enhance overall interoperability.

The enduring partnership between the Utah National Guard and Morocco since 2003 underscores the depth of collaboration through the State Partnership Program. U.S. Africa Command remains steadfast in supporting its partners' regional security efforts in North Africa, contributing to overall regional and global security and stability.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil

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