Allies:

United States:

  • Morocco enjoys a strong strategic partnership with the United States, based on shared interests in security, counterterrorism, trade, and regional stability.
  • The United States provides military assistance, training, and intelligence cooperation to Morocco, enhancing its capacity to combat terrorism and maintain security in North Africa.
  • The alliance between Morocco and the United States encompasses various areas of cooperation, including defense, counterterrorism, economic development, and cultural exchanges.

France:

  • Morocco shares historical ties with France, its former colonial ruler, and maintains a close relationship based on economic, cultural, and military cooperation.
  • France is one of Morocco’s largest trading partners and foreign investors, with significant investments in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and tourism.
  • The alliance between Morocco and France extends to defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic coordination on regional issues in North Africa and the Sahel.

Saudi Arabia:

  • Morocco has cultivated a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, based on shared religious, cultural, and geopolitical interests.
  • Both countries share close ties in areas such as religion, trade, investment, and regional diplomacy. Morocco is a member of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.
  • The alliance between Morocco and Saudi Arabia is reinforced by their shared opposition to common threats, including Islamist extremism, Iranian influence, and regional instability.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States:

  • Morocco maintains economic and diplomatic ties with several GCC states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait. These relationships are based on economic cooperation, investment, and political alignment on certain regional issues.
  • GCC states have invested in Morocco’s infrastructure, tourism, and real estate sectors, contributing to economic development and job creation in the country. Additionally, Morocco has received financial assistance and investment pledges from GCC countries to support its economic reforms and development projects.

Enemies:

Polisario Front (Western Sahara):

  • Morocco’s primary adversary is the Polisario Front, a separatist movement seeking independence for the Western Sahara region, which Morocco considers an integral part of its territory.
  • The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has engaged in armed conflict with Moroccan forces over control of the Western Sahara territory. The unresolved conflict has led to tensions with Algeria and periodic clashes with Polisario fighters.
  • Morocco has resisted calls for independence for the Western Sahara and has offered autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a compromise solution. However, negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front have stalled, prolonging the conflict.

Some Islamist Groups in the Region:

  • Morocco faces security threats from Islamist extremist groups operating in the region, including those affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS.
  • While Morocco has implemented robust counterterrorism measures to prevent terrorist attacks and disrupt extremist networks, it continues to face challenges from radicalized individuals and groups.
  • The Moroccan government has been proactive in addressing the root causes of extremism, including socioeconomic marginalization, political grievances, and lack of opportunities for youth. Additionally, Morocco has collaborated with international partners, including the United States and European countries, to combat terrorism and promote stability in the region.