Military cooperation between Morocco and Saudi Arabia has returned to the forefront in a regional context marked by a series of attacks targeting Saudi territory.
On Monday 28 September, Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman held a phone call with Abdellatif Loudiyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defense.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the two officials discussed ways to strengthen the various pillars of defense cooperation between the two countries. They also reviewed their joint efforts to support regional security and stability in light of current developments.
Morocco–Saudi Arabia military cooperation in a tense regional climate
This conversation came just a few days after a message sent by King Mohammed VI to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
On 26 September, the Monarch condemned the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and expressed Morocco’s solidarity with the Kingdom. He stressed in particular that the security and stability of Saudi Arabia, as well as that of the other Gulf Cooperation Council states, form an integral part of Morocco’s own security.
The King also stated that any attack on Saudi Arabia would be considered an attack on Morocco, while calling for accountability for those who perpetrate such attacks and those who support them.
Riyadh and Rabat aim to deepen their defense ties
During their exchange, Khalid bin Salman and Abdellatif Loudiyi discussed ways to further develop defense cooperation between Rabat and Riyadh.
The official readout did not specify the precise areas concerned. No new military agreement or arms contract was announced following the call.
The two officials also addressed their joint efforts to support security and stability across the region.
The discussion comes as Saudi Arabia faces an increase in attacks attributed to the Houthis. In recent days, several drone and missile attacks have reportedly targeted Saudi territory, according to the Kingdom’s authorities.
Mohammed VI’s message placed Gulf security at the heart of Moroccan solidarity
In his 26 September message, Mohammed VI broadened the scope of his support to include the security of all Gulf states.
The Monarch also condemned attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure, as well as attempts to target the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. He called for respect for international law and referred to several United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Morocco thus situates its support for Saudi Arabia within the framework of its bilateral relations and its long-standing position on regional security.
An established defense partnership
Morocco and Saudi Arabia have maintained cooperation in the fields of defense and security for several years.
The latest exchange between the two officials is therefore a continuation of this relationship. For now, Saudi and Moroccan authorities have limited themselves to announcing their shared intention to strengthen cooperation and coordination on regional security issues.
No official details have yet been released regarding the next concrete steps in this cooperation.
Rabat and Riyadh face new security challenges
Rising tensions in the Middle East give particular weight to this exchange. Saudi Arabia is seeking to reinforce its security arrangements in the face of threats to its territory and strategic infrastructure.
For its part, Morocco regularly underlines the importance of Gulf stability in its own approach to regional security.
In this context, the conversation between Khalid bin Salman and Abdellatif Loudiyi confirms the determination of Rabat and Riyadh to maintain and further develop their defense coordination.
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