“Morocco is not merely a defense partner. It is much more than that. Over the years, we have built a strong relationship founded on trust, mutual respect, Jewish heritage and deep historical ties between our peoples. We intend to continue taking relations between our two countries to new heights,” said Amir Baram, Director General of Israel’s Defense Ministry, according to a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson.
The reserve major general is leading a delegation on a visit to Morocco on behalf of Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. According to the statement, he met senior Moroccan defense officials, including the minister delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration and the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
Le directeur général du ministère de défense israélien, Amir Baram, avec l'inspecteur général des FAR et commandant la zone Sud, Mohammed Berrid. (PHOTO: FAR)
The delegation includes representatives of the Israeli military. The ministry said the FAR and the Israeli military have developed ties that include joint training in several areas.
During the visit, Amir Baram is due to inaugurate the permanent premises of the defense attaché’s office in Rabat. The office is headed by Colonel Sharon Itach, Israel’s first permanent defense attaché to Morocco.
The Israeli ministry noted that security relations between the two countries have strengthened considerably since diplomatic ties were restored in 2020 and a defense memorandum of understanding was signed in November 2021.
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According to the same statement, Israeli defense industries are highly regarded in Morocco. Most contracts are concluded through government-to-government agreements overseen by Israel’s Defense Ministry. Israeli defense companies are also helping Morocco establish an independent defense industry through joint ventures and offset agreements.
The ministry described the visit as part of its strategy to deepen cooperation with friendly countries. The strategy also seeks to expand defense exports to strengthen the Israeli military’s capabilities, advance foreign policy objectives and support the country’s industry and economy.
Two meetings in Rabat on Monday
Amir Baram was received on Monday by Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the National Defense Administration. The meeting took place at the administration’s headquarters, in accordance with high royal instructions, according to a joint statement from the National Defense Administration and the FAR General Staff.
The two officials welcomed the level of cooperation achieved in defense. This cooperation rests on a legal framework covering the protection of classified military information and equipment, cybersecurity, exchanges of experience and expertise, and personnel training.
They also highlighted progress in the partnership on the acquisition of military equipment and technologies, as well as in the defense industry. Their discussions focused on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the development of a defense industrial base and enhanced cybersecurity capabilities.
The same day, on the high instructions of the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of the FAR, Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone, received Amir Baram at the General Staff headquarters. The two officials emphasized the positive momentum in bilateral military cooperation, particularly in capability development, exchanges of experience and expertise, training and technical cooperation.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening this cooperation by implementing the action plans agreed upon by the Joint Military Commission. The commission provides a framework for exchanges, coordination and the exploration of new avenues for cooperation.
