Enhancing Security Cooperation Between Morocco and Sweden
On April 20 and 21, 2026, Abdelatif Hammouchi, the Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance of Morocco, embarked on a significant working visit to Sweden, accompanied by a high-level security delegation comprised of officials from both the National Security Directorate and the Territorial Surveillance Directorate. This visit is part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering cooperation and coordination between Swedish and Moroccan security services, reflecting the shared commitment to enhancing their security partnership across various operational domains, including the exchange of expertise and mutual technical assistance.
Key Discussions and Agreements
During his visit, Hammouchi engaged in extensive discussions with several Swedish officials, notably including Ginar Stormer, the Minister of Justice; Lina Petra Lund, the National Police Commissioner; and Stefan Hektor, the Deputy National Police Commissioner. These talks focused on a range of mutual interests concerning the security of both nations, highlighting the importance of coordinating efforts and mechanisms to effectively address shared challenges. The discussions encompassed various security threats and emerging risks at both regional and international levels.
As a culmination of these discussions, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing security cooperation between Morocco's national security bodies and the Swedish National Police. This agreement is designed to establish a supportive contractual framework that facilitates the exchange of experiences, best practices, and police methodologies, while also strengthening bilateral cooperation in security training and response to information requests related to joint operational matters.
The memorandum outlines clear and prompt procedures for information sharing between the police and security services of both countries, specifically targeting issues such as terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, economic and financial crimes, irregular migration, human trafficking, and violent crimes.
In addition, the Swedish side proposed the inclusion of Moroccan security services into the 'European Network for the Search of Missing Persons', recognizing Morocco's significant role in the apprehension and pursuit of internationally wanted individuals involved in transnational organized crime. This highlights the importance of the Moroccan security model and the need for expanding police cooperation, establishing Morocco as a reliable and important partner in security collaborations.
Furthermore, Hammouchi's visit included bilateral discussions with Swedish intelligence and internal security officials, particularly with Charlotte von Esen, the Director General of the Swedish Security Service (SAPO), addressing various security challenges posed by terrorist groups operating in several regions around the world, especially in the Sahel, Sahara, Middle East, and Europe. The conversations also touched upon 'virtual operations' in combating terrorism and organized crime, particularly concerning its cyber dimensions and transnational linkages.
As reported by snrtnews.com.
