France and Morocco's Unbreakable Security Alliance: A Cornerstone for Counterterrorism and Regional Stability

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin recently highlighted the depth of the security alliance between France and Morocco during his visit to Rabat. Addressing journalists, Darmanin emphasized Morocco's critical role in ensuring France's national security, acknowledging the essential contributions made by Moroccan intelligence services and law enforcement agencies.

"Without our Moroccan friends and the excellence of the Moroccan judicial police, France would face significantly greater risks," Darmanin declared, citing the recent high-profile arrests in Morocco made at France's request as evidence of Morocco's security capabilities. "Without Moroccan intelligence services, France would be more vulnerable," he added, underlining the importance of this partnership.

Darmanin expressed his gratitude for Morocco's efforts to enhance France's security during major events, including the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. He praised the successful security cooperation during past international events and expressed confidence that this strong alliance would continue.

His visit comes at a critical time, with cybersecurity becoming an increasing threat to both nations. Darmanin reiterated France's support for Morocco's counterterrorism efforts, especially in light of potential threats from the Sahel-Saharan region. He noted that the two countries share invaluable intelligence in their joint fight against terrorism and thanked Moroccan services for their consistent collaboration with France's Directorate-General for Internal Security (DGSI).

In addition to counterterrorism, Darmanin praised the "frank dialogue" between France and Morocco, highlighting their shared commitment to democratic values and preventing radicalization. "We have a perfect convergence of views when it comes to combating crime and terrorism," he stated.

The visit reflected the growing momentum in Franco-Moroccan relations, with both nations committed to modernizing and strengthening their strategic partnership. Darmanin emphasized the geographical proximity, cultural ties, and human connections that underpin this relationship, mentioning the steady flow of citizens between the two countries for tourism, higher education, agriculture, and cultural exchanges.

Acknowledging Morocco's leadership role in managing migration flows, Darmanin commended the efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and reiterated France's intention to collaborate in addressing regional and global migration challenges. He also outlined a shared ambition to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combating illegal immigration while supporting legal migration.

The visit also explored other collaborative efforts, such as decentralized institutional cooperation, regionalization driven by the Moroccan monarch, administrative deconcentration, civil service training, and addressing civil protection needs in the face of climate change.

Regarding the state of Islam in France, Darmanin applauded the cooperation with Moroccan religious authorities, pointing to the Moroccan model of Islamic practice, guided by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as exemplary. "We are very attentive to the training of imams and the ways in which Morocco can assist us in this domain," he concluded, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the strategic partnership between the two countries.