US General Hails Morocco as ’Indispensable Ally’ in North Africa, Citing Strong Military Ties

Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States of America in 1777, recalled the American military chief, indicating that the 200-year-old relations between the two countries must be strengthened. He also emphasized Morocco’s role as an "indispensable" ally in North Africa, thanks to its "significant contribution" to preserving peace and stability in the Maghreb. Morocco, he continued, hosts this joint military exercise every year, one of the "largest and most complex in the world, with 8,000 military personnel from eight countries, in addition to 15 observers who are potential participants for African Lion 2022".

The US official recalled the land, air and naval equipment deployed over the past two weeks in various joint activities across Moroccan and Tunisian territories, with the aim of strengthening "interoperability among participants in terms of planning and conducting joint operations".

This 17th Moroccan-American combined exercise "African Lion 2021" is taking place in the regions of Agadir, Tifnit, Tan-Tan, Mehbes, Tafraout, Ben Guerir and Kenitra. In addition to the United States of America and Morocco, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Tunisia, Senegal, the Netherlands, Italy, as well as NATO, as well as military observers from about thirty countries representing Africa, Europe and America, are participating. "African Lion 2021" will end on June 18, 2021.