Marrakech – Morocco’s Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, Mohammed Berrid, held talks with US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll on Friday at the Southern Zone Headquarters. The meeting took place on the instructions of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the FAR.
The discussions covered several aspects of bilateral military cooperation. Both sides noted a steady upward trajectory in defense ties. They pointed to a regular strategic dialogue and frequent joint activities as markers of the relationship’s depth, according to a statement from the FAR General Staff.
The talks came on the sidelines of the 22nd edition of African Lion, the largest annual multinational military exercise in Africa. This year’s edition runs from April 20 to May 8 across four host nations – Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia – with over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 countries taking part.
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The exercise is led by the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and involves more than 30 US-based industry partners testing emerging warfare capabilities.
Training activities this year include drone operations, cyber defense, satellite systems, and electronic warfare – marking a notable shift toward technology-driven scenarios. Other components range from combined arms live-fire drills and special operations training to CBRNE exercises and humanitarian civic assistance.
Both officials noted that African Lion 2026 coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence, adding a historical dimension to an already significant exercise cycle.
Following their meeting, the FAR Inspector General and Driscoll visited the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) operations center to observe ongoing training and review emerging technologies being used in this edition.
Separately, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Ambassador Duke Buchan visited the 6th Royal Moroccan Air Force Base and the 2nd Airborne Infantry Brigade in Benguerir on Friday. They met with Moroccan and American personnel participating in African Lion training activities on the ground.
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Landau’s Morocco stop was part of a broader April 27 to May 1 trip that also included Algeria. In Rabat earlier this week, he met with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch.
During a press conference, Landau reaffirmed US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and described the Autonomy Plan as the sole basis for a lasting solution.
The visit also saw Morocco join Washington’s “Trade Over Aid” initiative and sign the Artemis Accords, a US-led space exploration framework.
On Thursday, Landau and Buchan dedicated the new US Consulate General compound in Casablanca’s Finance City district. The ceremony brought together senior Moroccan officials, including Royal Adviser Fouad Ali El Himma, Bourita, and Berrid, among other dignitaries.
The $350 million complex contributed up to $100 million to Morocco’s economy during construction.
With the new facility, Morocco is now home to both the oldest US diplomatic property in the world – the Tangier Legation, acquired in 1821 – and its newest. This detail captures the breadth of a relationship entering its 250th year.
Combined with the embassy in Rabat, total US government investment in Morocco now exceeds $500 million, with more than 1,000 staff working for the US mission in the country.
The convergence of high-level military and diplomatic engagements this week reflects the expanding scope of the US-Morocco partnership – from defense cooperation to space, trade, and strategic alignment.
