Strengthening Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation
In alignment with the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS-2026) commenced in Rabat on July 20, 2026, and will continue until July 24. This significant event is being organized by the Royal Navy in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVAF) and the U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa (MARFORAF). The Summit serves as a vital platform for discussing the pressing challenges surrounding maritime security while fostering enhanced collaboration among African leaders and their American counterparts, as outlined in a statement from the FAR General Staff.
The agenda of the Summit is organized around three core themes: maritime security, regional cooperation, and technological innovation. Not only does the event attract participants from various African nations, but it also draws in civilian and military officials from Morocco and the United States. Additionally, representatives from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, France, Italy, Jordan, Malta, Norway, Oman, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Türkiye are present.
Diverse Topics and Expert Presentations
The opening ceremony features notable leaders, co-chaired by Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Navy, alongside Colonel-Major Abdellah Athmani, Chief of the 2nd Bureau of the FAR General Staff. Representing the U.S. are Admiral Georges Wikoff, NAVAF Commander, and Major General Daniel L. Shipley, Commander of MARFORAF. The Summit boasts a packed program including a series of conferences and presentations from experts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, who will focus on the Royal Atlantic Initiative. Specialists from the Royal Navy will also present on various relevant subjects.
The topics covered in these presentations are extensive, ranging from coordination in hydrography, oceanography, and cartography to the latest developments in the standards set by the International Hydrographic Organization. Other critical subjects include the influence of Regional Hydrographic Commissions, regional coordination of maritime search and rescue operations, and enhancing maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities.
In conjunction with the Summit, a maritime security exhibition is scheduled for July 21, showcasing various institutional booths led by the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Navy, and several other key organizations, including the Directorate of Ports and the Maritime Public Domain, the National Directorate of Meteorology, the National Ports Agency, and the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture. This exhibition aims to highlight Morocco's commitment to maritime security and its strategic partnerships in the region.
As reported by maroc.ma.
