Morocco's Strategic Role in Gulf Security
In the face of increasing Iranian threats, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have sought to bolster their military cooperation with Morocco and Egypt. This strategic alliance includes the deployment of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the sharing of expertise in missile defense, underscoring Morocco's crucial role in maintaining regional stability. According to recent reports, Morocco's military and technical support is deemed vital for Gulf nations, particularly through the deployment of its armed forces and the provision of expertise in utilizing Emirati THAAD missile systems manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin.
Additionally, Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) plays a significant role in ensuring the stability of the UAE. Notably, Abu Dhabi announced the dismantling of a cell linked to Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah on March 26. This was followed by a similar announcement from Bahrain five days later, highlighting the collaborative efforts among these nations to counteract Iranian influence.
Historical Military Agreements and Ongoing Collaborations
The military cooperation between Morocco and the UAE is anchored in a 2006 agreement focusing on training, operational support, and technical exchanges. This partnership expanded in 2014 to include research in military industries and technology transfers. Throughout the ongoing conflict involving Iran, King Mohammed VI has reiterated Morocco's commitment to supporting the UAE, engaging in multiple phone discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed. Moreover, Morocco has formalized military cooperation agreements with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 2013 and 2015, respectively.
Egypt has also reignited discussions on forming a joint Arab force, a proposal presented by its Foreign Minister during a recent extraordinary meeting of the Arab League. This initiative aims to foster collective security among Arab nations, although it faces political obstacles to implementation. The Arab League's 1950 treaty on common defense states that aggression against one member is considered an attack on all, thereby necessitating a united response.
Historically, Morocco's involvement in Gulf security dates back to the reign of King Hassan II when Moroccan troops were deployed to the UAE to assist in training local armed forces. This tradition of cooperation continues, with Moroccan contractors still fulfilling military advisory roles in the region. Tragically, one such contractor lost his life during an Iranian missile attack on Bahrain on March 24, a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by these nations.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
