Morocco and the United Arab Emirates are pursuing the development of their military cooperation, with a particular focus on capability development, the defense industry, training, and the exchange of expertise and experience.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, received on Tuesday, October 6, in Rabat, Major General Issa Saif Bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

The official visit took place as part of the UAE military official’s participation, heading a large delegation, in the proceedings of the 3rd Session of the Moroccan-Emirati Joint Military Commission, held on October 5 and 6, 2026.

The visit also coincides with the UAE’s participation in the Marrakech Air Show 2026, the International Aerospace Exhibition, held from October 7 to 10.

During the meeting, the two officials welcomed the level reached by military cooperation between the two countries.

Cooperation covers several areas, notably capability development, the defense industry, training, and the exchange of experience and expertise.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further consolidating and developing this cooperation across various areas of common interest.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid and Major General Issa Saif Bin Ablan Al Mazrouei subsequently co-chaired the closing session of the 3rd Session of the Moroccan-Emirati Joint Military Commission.

According to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, the meeting concluded with a very positive assessment, covering a wide range of activities across several strategic areas.

On this occasion, Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid presented the UAE military official with the Grand Cordon of the Order of Military Merit, awarded by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The distinction recognizes his efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Military cooperation between the two countries dates back to 1980, when the first military agreement was signed between Morocco and the UAE.

It was further consolidated in May 2006 with the conclusion of a framework agreement.

The latest developments confirm the continuation of an institutional partnership covering military capabilities, the defense industry, training, and the exchange of expertise, against the backdrop of the Joint Military Commission and the Marrakech Air Show 2026.