Admiral Mohamed Tahin, the Inspector of the Moroccan Royal Navy, emphasized that Morocco, guided by the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, continues to strengthen partnerships, enhance maritime security, and promote peace, stability, and regional prosperity. He noted that the kingdom remains fully committed to creating an environment based on trust, exchange, and cooperation, which contributes to bolstering maritime security both within Africa and beyond.
During his speech at the opening of the 4th Annual African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS 2026), which commenced today in Rabat in partnership with the Royal Armed Forces and the U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps, Admiral Tahin highlighted that this year’s summit is particularly significant in the historical context of Moroccan-American relations, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Tahin addressed officials from the naval forces of over 40 African countries and 20 nations outside the continent, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Korea, Brazil, Spain, and others. He noted that this historical event holds special importance for Morocco, as it was the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States over two centuries ago, laying the groundwork for one of the oldest continuously diplomatic relationships in history. Since that time, these exceptional ties have evolved into a strategic partnership based on mutual respect, shared values, and common interests.
Strategic Partnership
In connection with this, the Moroccan Royal Navy Inspector elaborated on the milestones of the Moroccan-American partnership, including the historic decision by the United States in December 2020 to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara, a move that enhances the strategic dimension of relations between the two countries and builds mutual trust. He pointed out that the participation of the Moroccan Royal Navy frigate 'Mohammed VI' in the commemoration of this historical anniversary symbolizes the vitality of the friendship and close ties shared by both nations.
Tahin further stated that through the African Maritime Forces Summit and various training exercises such as 'African Lion', 'Obangame Express', 'Phoenix Express', and 'Cutlass Express', the American partners from the U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa, and the U.S. Marine Corps have demonstrated their commitment to supporting dialogue and developing capacities among African naval forces, which contributes to operational compatibility, readiness, and regional stability. He emphasized that these initiatives provide valuable opportunities for African nations to exchange experiences, develop common approaches, and enhance their collective capacity to address shared maritime challenges.
In this context, the Moroccan military official pointed out that Africa's maritime areas hold immense strategic importance as they represent vital routes for international trade, sources of economic opportunities, and key domains for regional stability and sustainable development. However, these maritime spaces remain vulnerable to a mix of conventional and emerging threats that transcend borders, such as illicit smuggling, piracy, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, environmental changes, hybrid threats, and maritime terrorism.
Tahin asserted that an effective response to these challenges requires not only capable forces but also dialogue, trust, and collective action, emphasizing that no nation can face these challenges alone. The maritime environment necessitates collective vigilance, coordinated efforts, and continuous cooperation among naval forces, government agencies, regional mechanisms, and international partners.
Collective Responsibility
The Moroccan military leader noted that innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing maritime awareness, improving operational effectiveness, and preempting emerging threats. He highlighted that emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, satellite surveillance, and advanced information-sharing platforms are transforming how naval forces operate and collaborate. He stressed that the future will belong to those who can not only possess technology but also innovate, adapt, and transform information into strategic advantages. Thus, it is our responsibility to ensure that innovation becomes a tool for collective advancement, supported by education, research, and partnerships.
Admiral Tahin also mentioned the recent launch of a joint initiative between the Moroccan military and the U.S. Africa Command to establish the 'African Multidisciplinary Training and Experimentation Center', aimed at enhancing military training. He considered this initiative to be of great value in empowering African nations to bolster their capabilities to combat terrorism and address threats, while focusing on low-cost and scalable solutions for regional security operations, improving their collective response capabilities to shared maritime challenges.
He concluded by stating that the shared goals are clear: to encourage the emergence of a technologically advanced African maritime community based on trust, cooperation, and mutual support, achieving peace, stability, and prosperity for the entire continent. Under the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has consistently promoted an integrated approach to maritime security that combines defense, development, and cooperation. His Majesty has underscored the strategic importance of Atlantic and maritime domains for Africa as engines of prosperity and platforms for solidarity among African nations.
The city of Rabat is hosting the 4th Annual African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS 2026) from July 20 to 24, bringing together high-ranking African naval leaders alongside their counterparts from Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, to discuss ways to address the increasing threats in vital waterways and achieve a stable maritime environment through innovation and modern technologies.
As reported by hespress.com.
