Secretary of US Navy Visits Rabat, Morocco

Secretary of the U.S. Navy Ray Mabus concluded a visit to Rabat, Morocco, August 12.

This was the first stop of a multi-nation visit by Mabus designed to reinforce existing partnerships with African nations.

Mabus met with government and military officials to discuss U.S – Moroccan military cooperation and defense and security issues in the region.

 “We commend Morocco for their participation in international peacekeeping and the key role they play in the training and assistance of our African partners,” said Mabus. “Morocco’s leadership is critical to our mutual interests of greater stability in the region.”

Regional cooperation and the importance of a stable and secure Africa were the main themes of Mabus’ meetings with Minister Delegate to the Head of the Government in charge of the Administration of National Defense Abdellatif Loudiyi, General Inspector of the Royal Armed Forces, Commander of the Southern Zone and Chairman of the Royal Armed Forces Promotion Committee Gen. Abdelaziz Bennani and Inpsector General of the Royal Moroccan Navy Vice Adm. Mohamed Laghmari.

 “As one of our oldest partners, we appreciate the rich military cooperation between our two countries,” said Mabus. “We share many of the same concerns, and my hope is that visits such as mine will continue to advance our future engagements.”

While in Rabat, Mabus also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a Moroccan landmark containing the tombs of the late Moroccan king and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, and met with Sailors and Marines stationed at the U.S. embassy.

Mabus’ visit represents a continuation of the Department of the Navy’s focus on building partnerships designed to help distribute the burden of securing the global maritime domain based on alliances, shared values and mutual trust.

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Press Release, August 13, 2013; Image: Navy