RABAT, 5 June 2004 — The Moroccan government yesterday welcomed the United States’ decision to elevate military ties with the North African nation, a strategic partner in the war on terror. Morocco joins an exclusive group of privileged “non-NATO allies” that includes Japan, Australia and Israel.
The government spokesman, Nabil Benabdallah, thanked the United States for its support of Morocco’s struggle against terrorism at home and said it was deeply satisfied by the Thursday decision to raise Morocco’s standing. “It’s a testament to Morocco’s ... strategic role in the region and a sign of consideration for the political, economic and social reforms undertaken by King Mohammed VI,” the government spokesman said in an interview.
Washington’s decision will allow Morocco to participate in certain US military contracts as well as development and research projects, the official MAP news agency said. Morocco, which has an active network of militants, is one of the United States’ most important allies in the Muslim world in fighting terror.
