Morocco's Growing Role in Global Security Diplomacy
Security and intelligence have emerged as pivotal pillars of Moroccan diplomacy, ranking alongside traditional exports like phosphates and the influence of religion. These strategic levers significantly enhance Morocco's global standing and contribute to its diplomatic successes on the international stage. The country's commitment to strengthening its security partnerships has been increasingly evident, particularly with the active role of Abdellatif Hammouchi, the Director General of the National Security Directorate (DGSN) and the Territorial Surveillance Directorate (DGST), who has ramped up international engagements since the beginning of the year.
In February 2026, Hammouchi led a security delegation to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Saudi State Security Chief. Their participation in the third edition of the Global Defense Exhibition in Riyadh allowed Moroccan representatives to explore cutting-edge advancements in security technology while establishing new avenues for bilateral cooperation in intelligence, technical assistance, and security innovations. This visit underscores Morocco's growing interest in leveraging high-tech solutions for national security.
The momentum continued with a working visit to Sweden in April, where Hammouchi engaged with the Swedish Minister of Justice and key officials from the police and internal security sectors. This meeting culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at bolstering security cooperation between the two nations, encompassing information sharing and expertise exchange, as well as enhanced coordination in combatting terrorism, organized crime, illegal immigration, and cybercrime. The Swedish authorities have even suggested Morocco's accession to the European Research and Tracing Network, acknowledging the credibility and effectiveness of Moroccan security services.
Morocco as a Reliable International Security Partner
In May, Hammouchi attended the 23rd Regional Meeting of Intelligence and Security Services organized in Vienna under the auspices of the United Nations, where the Moroccan delegation shared its experiences in counter-terrorism and violent extremism. Bilateral discussions with several Austrian officials, including Sylvia Mayer, the Director of State Security and Intelligence, highlighted Morocco's critical role in dismantling multiple terrorist cells within Europe. Austrian authorities expressed their desire to deepen cooperation with Morocco, benefiting from its substantial security expertise.
Following the Vienna visit, Hammouchi traveled to Turkey for two days, partaking in the fifth edition of the SAHA 2026 Defense, Aerospace, and Armaments Exhibition in Istanbul, where he met with the head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization and several defense sector leaders. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation and exploring the latest technological innovations related to security systems and equipment.
The series of official visits to Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Austria, and Turkey, along with Morocco's collaborative initiatives with security partners in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Libya, Oman, Tunisia, Sudan, and Pakistan, exemplify the transformative shift in Moroccan security diplomacy. Morocco is now recognized as a reliable and credible partner within regional and international security frameworks and stands as a central player in the global fight against terrorism and transnational crime.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
