RABAT — In a significant display of military collaboration, Moroccan General Mohammed Berrid, who serves as the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, welcomed Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, the Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, on Tuesday in Rabat. This meeting, held at the General Staff Headquarters of the Royal Armed Forces, underscores the deepening military relationship between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
The visit, led by Al Mazrouei along with a high-ranking Emirati delegation, reflects the advanced level of military coordination that has been fostered between Rabat and Abu Dhabi. This engagement was initiated under the directives of Moroccan King Mohammed VI, who serves as the Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.
Notably, this visit coincided with the third meeting of the Joint Moroccan–Emirati Military Commission, which took place on October 5 and 6. Moreover, Al Mazrouei's participation in the Marrakech Air Show 2026, scheduled from October 7 to 10, further emphasizes the ongoing military collaboration between the two nations. The discussions held between these two key military leaders go beyond mere formalities; they signify a robust commitment to expanding cooperation in various strategic domains.
The scope of this partnership includes capability development, collaboration in the defense industry, comprehensive training programs, and the exchange of expertise and best practices. This evolving relationship indicates a shift from traditional military coordination to a more specialized partnership aimed at enhancing military capabilities, upgrading skills, and leveraging the extensive experience each armed force brings to the table.
Furthermore, Al Mazrouei's presence at the helm of a senior delegation highlights the importance of this meeting. It provides a platform for both parties to evaluate mutual military needs and exchange valuable insights related to military modernization, training methodologies, and advancements in defense technologies. The participation of the UAE in the Marrakech Air Show 2026 is indicative of ongoing military cooperation, allowing both nations to review developments in the aviation and defense sectors while exploring new avenues for collaboration.
Morocco’s military experience is increasingly attracting Emirati interest, especially considering the advancements made by the Royal Armed Forces in areas such as training, international cooperation, and the defense industry. This collaborative framework seeks to share expertise and adapt successful practices to meet the unique national requirements of each country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model.
At the conclusion of the third Joint Moroccan–Emirati Military Commission, Berrid and Al Mazrouei co-chaired the closing session, which yielded positive outcomes encompassing a variety of strategic activities. This reflects the extensive and ongoing agenda of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
In a clear indication of the esteem held in their military relations, the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces awarded the Emirati Chief of Staff with the Grand Cordon of the Order of Military Merit, a prestigious decoration granted by the Moroccan Sovereign. This honor recognizes Al Mazrouei's significant contributions to bolstering bilateral cooperation.
The roots of this military cooperation date back to 1980, when the first military agreement was signed between Morocco and the UAE, which was later reinforced by a framework agreement in May 2006. Since then, the scope of cooperation has consistently expanded, making the current military discussions a continuation of a long-standing process based on coordination, knowledge transfer, and capability enhancement.
This visit marks a reaffirmed commitment to maintaining the momentum of the military partnership and broadening its scope. The high-level Emirati presence in Morocco serves as a renewed opportunity for deepening coordination and mutual learning, especially in light of the rapid changes occurring in the defense and military technology sectors.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
