Morocco is strengthening its defense diplomacy by deepening its cooperation with NATO. This includes joint military exercises in the Mediterranean with France and Portugal, highlighting interoperability in accordance with Alliance standards.

Playing a regional stabilizing role: From the Sahel to the Mediterranean

The frigate Mohammed VI is participating in these high-intensity maneuvers, illustrating a strategic partnership that aims to align Moroccan military doctrine with that of NATO. This strengthens the Kingdom’s defense posture in a complex geostrategic context.

This dynamic is part of Morocco’s desire to integrate into a plural security architecture, combining bilateral and multilateral alliances, and to play a regional stabilizing role, from the Sahel to the Mediterranean. Morocco has been a long-standing partner of NATO since joining the Mediterranean Dialogue in 1995. Visits by senior Alliance officials, such as that of Admiral Rob Bauer in 2024, demonstrate a mutual desire to intensify security cooperation, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, maritime security, and cyber defense.

Thus, Morocco is strengthening its defense diplomacy by combining operational cooperation, doctrinal alignment, and political engagement, positioning itself as a key player in regional collective security.

The benefits for Morocco of participating in NATO exercises

• Strengthening the interoperability of its armed forces with those of NATO member countries, facilitating joint military cooperation.
• Access to advanced military training and education in various areas such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, energy infrastructure protection, and maritime security.
• Improved position as a “key strategic partner” of NATO, enhancing its regional role in North Africa and the Sahel.
• Opportunities to participate in international peacekeeping and security operations, strengthening its operational experience and diplomatic influence.
• Access to a security cooperation network that contributes to regional stability and collective security, while benefiting from the Alliance’s political and military support.

These combined advantages strengthen Morocco’s ability to address regional and international threats while consolidating its diplomatic and military influence.