Israel Says Baram Met Moroccan Defense Officials to Deepen Cooperation
Published
Israel’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday, November 10, that a delegation led by its director general, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, had met senior Moroccan defense officials during a visit to deepen military cooperation. Baram led the delegation on behalf of Defense Minister Israel Katz, with IDF representatives also taking part. The ministry said the delegation met Morocco’s minister delegate responsible for the National Defense Administration, the inspector general of the Royal Armed Forces and senior officials from the Royal Palace and intelligence services. Baram said: “Morocco is not just another defense partner.” He also cited trust, mutual respect, Jewish heritage and historical ties between the peoples as foundations of the relationship. According to the ministry, most defense transactions with Morocco are conducted through government-to-government agreements that it leads. It said Israeli defense companies also help develop Morocco’s defense industry through joint ventures and offset agreements. The ministry described ties between the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the IDF as including joint training in several fields. The ministry dated the renewal of diplomatic relations to 2020 and the signing of a defense memorandum to November 2021. It said defense cooperation had expanded since then, including during three years of war, and described the visit as part of its effort to strengthen partnerships and expand defense exports in support of IDF force development and Israel’s defense industry.