Morocco champions international security collaboration in Moscow

Thursday 29 May 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco champions international security collaboration in Moscow

Morocco is positioning itself as a pivotal player in global security initiatives. This week, senior Moroccan security officials traveled to Moscow to represent their nation at a significant international security conference.

Abdellatif Hammouchi, the Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN), attended the 13th International Meeting of Senior Officials for Security and Intelligence Issues from May 27-29.

Morocco calls for shared security cooperation

During the forum, Hammouchi emphasized the necessity for nations to collaborate in addressing escalating strategic risks and threats. He articulated that the foundation for neutralizing these dangers lies in establishing a cohesive security structure that remains undivided.

“National security and intelligence services must contribute through close cooperation and coordination with their counterparts in various countries around the world,” he stated.

The Moroccan official further asserted that equitable cooperation among nations is crucial for the success of any shared security framework in confronting today’s complex challenges.

“In an open world characterized by the constant movement of people across borders and plagued by criminal entities and virtual crime networks, we must establish shared security fronts. These fronts should be capable of adapting to international security threats,” Hammouchi noted.

He underscored that early warning systems and shared responsibilities necessitate the exchange of information regarding all detected or potential security threats. Countries must relay this information securely and promptly to uphold a collective security approach grounded in mutual benefit.

Bilateral security meetings

On the sidelines of the international forum, Hammouchi engaged in intensive bilateral discussions with heads and members of various security and intelligence agencies from allied nations, including meetings with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

These discussions focused on exploring mutual interests and enhancing cooperation in addressing emerging risks and threats.

Morocco’s international security role

During the forum, Hammouchi articulated Morocco’s security vision and presented concrete data on international threats. He conveyed that effectively countering escalating strategic risks demands the adoption of a shared strategic security framework.

Hammouchi shared alarming statistics that highlight the international dimensions of strategic threats, revealing that Moroccan security services apprehended 62 foreigners from 25 different countries in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. These individuals attempted to enter Morocco while evading international arrest warrants issued by authorities in various regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

“The basic observation is that all these arrested foreigners were involved in serious threats and crimes,” Hammouchi explained.

The crimes associated with these individuals ranged from connections to armed criminal organizations and premeditated murder to cybercrime, child exploitation, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

Hammouchi noted that many of these internationally wanted individuals utilized networks that forged identity documents and travel papers, facilitating their movement across borders and underscoring the organized nature of international crime.

This visit underscores Morocco’s esteemed position and proactive role in international security collaboration. It reflects the credibility that Moroccan security services have cultivated with global partners as essential contributors to collective efforts in maintaining international stability.

The forum, chaired by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, included the presence of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. It served as a platform for general sessions and specialized workshops addressing various global security issues.

Participants engaged in discussions surrounding the rising threats of terrorism, including the emergence of new regional strongholds and centers for terrorist organizations. They also examined the increasing risks posed by cybercrime and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure across nations.