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US Arms Control Official Heads to Morocco for Global Conference on AI in Chemical Weapons Prevention

US Arms Control Official Heads to Morocco for Global Conference on AI in Chemical Weapons Prevention
10:20 Journalists: Dakir Madiha
Zoom

US Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Mallory Stewart, is visiting Morocco through October 24 to participate in a groundbreaking conference examining artificial intelligence's role in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

The Global Conference on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, jointly sponsored by Morocco and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Technical Secretariat, brings together international experts to explore emerging technologies in weapons control.

Stewart will serve as a keynote speaker at the event, which focuses on strengthening the OPCW's capabilities and enhancing collaboration with independent scientific experts. The conference aims to reinforce international protocols prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, and stockpiling of chemical weapons.

On the sidelines, Stewart will engage in high-level discussions with Moroccan officials regarding emerging security threats. According to the State Department, these meetings will focus on "deepening strategic partnerships, sharing mutual perspectives and expertise on regional approaches to risk reduction, and exploring opportunities to improve multilateral disarmament and international security mechanisms."

The choice of Morocco as host nation reflects its growing role in global security initiatives. The North African country maintains strong military ties with the United States, hosting the continent's largest military exercise, African Lion, and recently allocated MAD 124.7 billion ($12.88 billion) to its defense sector for 2024.

Recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) positions Morocco as the 29th largest arms importer globally, maintaining its ranking from the previous year. The United States continues to serve as Morocco's primary arms supplier, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The conference represents a significant step forward in international efforts to prevent chemical weapons proliferation while highlighting the increasing intersection of advanced technology and global security protocols.


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