In a significant move towards bolstering international security collaboration, Abdellatif Hammouchi, the Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance of Morocco, embarked on a productive working visit to Sweden on Monday and Tuesday. Accompanied by a robust security delegation from both the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) and the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), Hammouchi's trip underscores the importance of enhanced security cooperation between the two nations.
This visit aligns with the Swedish security services’ objective to deepen their partnership with Moroccan counterparts, fostering a cooperative spirit aimed at addressing a myriad of operational challenges. The discussions focused on exchanging expertise, technical assistance, and refining joint strategies to tackle pressing security issues, thereby creating a formidable alliance in the face of evolving threats.
During his stay, Hammouchi engaged in extensive dialogues with key Swedish officials, including Gunnar Strömmer, the Minister for Justice; Lena Petra Lund, the National Police Commissioner; and Stefan Hector, the Deputy National Police Commissioner. These high-level talks revolved around mutual security interests, exploring mechanisms to confront shared threats, and addressing emerging risks at both regional and global levels.
To solidify their commitment to sustained collaboration, the Moroccan and Swedish officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing security cooperation. This agreement between the DGSN/DGST and the Swedish National Police seeks to establish a formal framework for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in law enforcement. It lays the groundwork for improved training methodologies and outlines processes for responding to inquiries regarding bilateral cooperation.
Moreover, the MoU stipulates efficient procedures for sharing critical information related to various security concerns, including terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, economic crimes, and human trafficking. Notably, the Swedish side proposed the integration of Moroccan security services into the European Network for Fugitive Active Search Teams (ENFAST), acknowledging Morocco’s pivotal role in apprehending internationally sought criminals involved in transnational organized crime.
Emphasizing the value of the Moroccan security model, discussions also highlighted the necessity for expanding police cooperation, positioning Morocco as a reliable partner in international security efforts. Hammouchi’s visit further included meetings with officials from Sweden's intelligence and internal security services, particularly with Charlotte von Essen, the Director-General of the Swedish Security Service (SÄPO), addressing the security challenges posed by terrorist activities across various global regions, including the Sahel-Saharan area, the Middle East, and Europe.
Field visits by Hammouchi to various operational units of the Swedish security apparatus, such as K-9 police units and cybercrime divisions, served to reinforce the practical aspects of the collaboration. This visit exemplifies the strategic importance of the security partnership between Morocco and Sweden, both of which are committed to enhancing security and stability within their regions and beyond.
Through this engagement, Hammouchi's visit reaffirms the DGSN/DGST’s dedication to fostering security alliances globally, aiming to bolster collective security and support initiatives targeting threats to both regional and international peace.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
