Morocco Showcases Security Expertise at 8th Interpol MENA Meeting

Friday 06 September 2024 - 07:33

Morocco's top security official, Abdellatif Hammouchi, participated in the 8th Interpol meeting for heads of security and police from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The two-day event, held at Interpol's headquarters in Lyon, France, brought together security delegations from across the MENA region, as well as representatives from Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan.

The gathering provided a platform for Morocco's national security services to share their experience and expertise in addressing emerging regional crimes. Discussions centered on new security challenges, including organized crime, illicit financial flows, online recruitment, rapid radicalization, and the potential risks of drone-based terrorist attacks.

During the meeting, the Moroccan delegation delivered a presentation on efforts to combat cybercrime, particularly in light of the increasing threats posed by the misuse of new technologies for criminal or terrorist purposes. Hammouchi also engaged in a bilateral meeting with Interpol's new director of cybercrime to discuss potential cooperation projects aimed at mitigating technology-related risks in criminal and terrorist activities.

As part of his visit, Hammouchi toured Interpol's Command and Coordination Center at its General Secretariat headquarters. There, he explored ways to strengthen joint cooperation in cross-border investigations with Interpol officials.

Morocco's involvement in international security efforts has been previously recognized by Interpol. In May, the organization highlighted Morocco's contributions, including its participation in over a dozen Interpol-led projects and around 20 significant global security operations. Additionally, Morocco was unanimously chosen to host Interpol's 93rd General Assembly in Marrakech in 2025, further cementing its role in international law enforcement cooperation.

This meeting underscores Morocco's ongoing commitment to regional and global security, as well as its willingness to share expertise in tackling complex and evolving threats. As emerging technologies continue to pose new challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide, such collaborative efforts become increasingly crucial in maintaining international security and combating transnational crime.