Admiral Rob Bauer, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Morocco on April 28 to 30, 2024. This was his third official visit to a Mediterranean Dialogue Partner in as many months. Major General Mohammed Berrid, the Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, and Mr. Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister-Delegate for the Administration of National Defence, received Admiral Bauer. The Chair of the Military Committee briefed the Royal College of High Military Studies in Kenitra on NATO’s global security strategy and its relationships in the southern neighbourhood, and he spoke with a number of other senior military figures.
In a conversation with the Chief of Defense and the Moroccan Minister of Defense, Admiral Bauer said that increasing military capabilities and collaborating across the armed forces is crucial in this period of unparalleled warfare. Instead, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee stated that it should be seen as a component of a security strategy that encompasses the entire government and society, including social and economic growth.
The historical alliance between NATO and Morocco was emphasized during the discussion, as was the necessity of stepping up collaboration in order to deal with an increasingly complex security environment. NATO commends Morocco for its dedication to global security as well as the significant reforms it has made to its social, political, and economic spheres over the past few decades. You have repeatedly contributed your knowledge and experience, for example by raising the profile of conversations on combating terrorism, maritime security, and illegal immigration. Additionally, we greatly appreciate your consistent involvement in NATO exercises, stated Admiral Bauer.
Admiral Rob Bauer spoke to the Royal College of Higher Military Studies in Kenitra during the second portion of his visit. The head of NATO’s Military Committee emphasized that many of the issues facing NATO members are also facing the countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including terrorism, the spread of nuclear weapons, and extremist organizations.
“The reason all of us here in this room, and thousands of our colleagues, choose to wear a uniform and serve in the military… is not because we believe war is the answer,” Admiral Bauer said in his speech. It’s because we think the most effective method to stop war is through strong deterrence. Strong deterrence is created for all parties involved when there is military cooperation. NATO desires to strengthen its ties with its southern neighborhood for this reason. NATO is eager to expand its cooperation in this region of the world, particularly in the areas of cyber defence, border security, counterterrorism, maritime security, and counter-improvised explosive devices.
After the speech, Admiral Bauer addressed inquiries from students regarding the function of NATO, the Alliance’s most recent report on the South, and ways to strengthen collaboration in the perilous world of today.
