In a move that underscores the depth of strategic ties between Morocco and the United States, General Mohammed Briyaz, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Region, received on Monday at the General Staff headquarters Brian J. Ellis, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, accompanied by a senior delegation, during an official visit from January 11 to 13, 2026.
التعاون العسكري الأمريكي–المغربي 🇺🇸🇲🇦 يعكس متانة الشراكة الاستراتيجية بين بلدينا. استقبل الفريق أول، محمد بريظ، المفتش العام للقوات المسلحة الملكية، نائب مساعد وزير الحرب الأمريكي المكلف بالشؤون الإفريقية، برايان ج. إيليس، حيث ناقش الجانبان سبل تعزيز التعاون الدفاعي، وتبادل وجهات… https://t.co/lZfWARFkzs
— U.S. Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) January 13, 2026
This meeting, held under the direct instructions of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander of the Royal Armed Forces, focused on key military cooperation areas ahead of the upcoming Defense Advisory Committee session in Washington. It reflects the countries’ commitment to developing a comprehensive and enduring defense partnership, grounded in the 2020-2030 Defense Cooperation Roadmap signed in Rabat over five years ago.
Historic Ties and Mutual Confidence
The officials emphasized the long-standing, excellent relationship between Morocco and the United States, which extends beyond military collaboration to include strategic alignment in facing regional challenges. Abdellatif Loudayi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense, highlighted U.S. support for Morocco’s full sovereignty, demonstrating Washington’s continued trust in Rabat as a reliable partner in North Africa.
Morocco as a Regional Stability Actor
From the American perspective, Morocco’s pivotal role in regional stability was highlighted, particularly amid growing security challenges in the Sahel and West Africa. The U.S. side reaffirmed its support for Moroccan-led initiatives aimed at strategic reforms and projecting the Kingdom as a beacon of peace and security in its neighborhood.
Between Symbolism and Strategy: Reading Between the Lines
Beyond protocol, this meeting is a strategic political signal: Morocco is recognized as a trusted strategic partner capable of acting as a regional stabilizer while safeguarding its sovereign interests. It also underscores Morocco’s ability to promote South-South cooperation, reinforcing its position as a key actor in regional security and diplomacy.
Conclusion:
This encounter demonstrates that the Morocco-U.S. military partnership is more than a formal exchange; it is a strategic mechanism aligned with regional security and stability priorities, while preserving Morocco’s strategic autonomy and its ability to positively influence its immediate environment.
