Spain has expressed its wish that Morocco be invited to participate in the next ministerial council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), scheduled for December 2025. According to Spanish media sources, Madrid considers it essential to involve the countries around the Mediterranean, in particular Morocco, in this meeting of Alliance foreign ministers.
Since 1995, Morocco has been involved in NATO’s “Mediterranean Forum”, a cooperation framework established between the Atlantic Alliance and several countries bordering the Mediterranean. In addition, the Shereef Kingdom has enjoyed a privileged status as a “major non-NATO ally” since 2004, a recognition which underlines its strategic role in the fight against global threats such as terrorism and transnational crime. .
Spain hopes that Morocco’s participation will deepen discussions on the development of common security strategies, particularly in the face of rising tensions in the Sahel region and Russia’s growing influence in this area. In addition, Morocco plays a fundamental role in monitoring the Strait of Gibraltar, a strategic passage, thus strengthening its cooperation with Spain and NATO.
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This Spanish request reflects shared security interests in the Mediterranean, underlines the community of international experts. In 2009, a memorandum of understanding signed in Italy formalized Morocco’s participation in NATO’s anti-terrorist operation, Active Endeavor. This agreement frames extensive cooperation ranging from the exchange of information to the commitment of naval and air forces.
During a visit to Morocco last April, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, was received by the Minister Delegate for the National Defense Administration, Mr. Abdellatif Loudiyi, as well as by the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, Major General Mohammed Berrid. Both parties reaffirmed the importance of the historic partnership between NATO and Morocco, emphasizing the need to strengthen this cooperation in the face of the increasing complexity of current security challenges.
“NATO welcomes Morocco’s commitment to international security and recognizes the sustained efforts towards social, political and economic reforms carried out over recent decades,” said Admiral Bauer. He also highlighted Morocco’s valuable contribution to debates on crucial issues such as the fight against terrorism, maritime security and the management of illegal immigration, while welcoming the Kingdom’s active participation in NATO exercises. .