U.S.-MOROCCO SECURITY DIALOGUES

S E C R E T RABAT 000904 SIPDIS NOFORN STATE FOR PM - CPETRONE AND NEA/RA - SSOUCEK E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2019 TAGS: MARR PREL MASS MO SUBJECT: U.S.-MOROCCO SECURITY DIALOGUES REF: STATE 112900 Classified By: DCM Robert P. Jackson for reasons 1.4 (b) and (c). ¶1. (S/NF) Summary: The United States and Morocco maintain several security dialogues. Bilateral engagement includes discussions of border control and related issues, military-to-military consultations, and a STATE Partnership Program with the Utah National Guard. In addition to the formal Defense Consultative Committee, we also have a formal defense intelligence-sharing agreement. These dialogues support U.S. foreign policy goals in Morocco and help ensure the country is a stable ally in the region. End summary. -------------- Security Dialogue with Interior Ministry -------------- ¶2. (SBU) In early October, a multi-agency U.S. engagement team met with a Ministry of Interior delegation led by the Assistant Director of Migration and Border Security for two days of frank, wide-ranging discussions. The dialogue addressed trafficking in persons, migration, counterterrorism, drug trafficking/counternarcotics, regional threats, human rights, and assistance/development efforts. Established by informal agreement to collaborate, the talks marked the beginning of what is expected to become a regular, ongoing dialogue on these crucial issues, with the next meeting anticipated in late November. -------------- Defense Consultative Committee -------------- ¶3. (C) Morocco and the United States have maintained formal military-to-military discussions for many years under the auspices of a bilateral Defense Consultative Committee (DCC). Discussions take place every 18 months; the next iteration is scheduled to be held December 3-4 in Washington, DC. In some ways pro forma, both sides share an interest in making these consultations more substantive and using them to advance negotiations on a status of forces agreement (SOFA) and other agreements. -------------- Intelligence Sharing and TSCTP -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) The U.S. and Morocco also maintain a long-standing military intelligence sharing agreement. Renewed every five years, the agreement is accompanied by annual consultations in Morocco and/or the U.S. about how to improve intelligence sharing. Moreover, the Directors of Military Intelligence meet at least annually in the context of the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). -------------- Financial Management Review -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Hosted by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the Moroccan Ministry for the Administration of National Defense, senior staff meet annually to review fiscal aspects of foreign military sales/foreign military financing (FMS/FMF). There is no formal agreement, but the review is part of the FMS/FMF process. The most recent Financial Management Review was held in June. -------------- Theater Security Cooperation Plan -------------- ¶6. (SBU) In the context of the Theater Security Cooperation Plan (TSCP) and under the auspices of Africa Command, senior field grade officers from the Moroccan military's operations directorate and AFRICOM officials hold an annual bilateral planning conference to review strategic plans and policies. Predating the establishment of Africa Command, the TSCP and associated conference are long-standing vehicles that govern the Office of Security Cooperation's engagement in Morocco. -------------- State Partnership Program -------------- ¶7. (U) The National Guard's STATE Partnership Program (SPP) links Utah with Morocco to promote and enhance bilateral relations. The partnership began in 2004 and includes military-military, military-civilian, and civilian-civilian engagement, with two annual planning conferences each year. Utah National Guard Adjutant General Tarbet visits annually during unit-level exchange exercises and holds meetings with Moroccan military officials. His next visit is scheduled for March 2010. -------------- Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative -------------- ¶8. (SBU) The GOM has been invited formally to participate in the Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative (GPOI),through which the U.S. intends to provide training and other support so the Moroccan military can sustain and continue to develop its peacekeeping operations capacity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate Morocco's GPOI request, and the Mission maintains regular dialogue with MFA officials in working to finalize the program. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶9. (SBU) Morocco has been an exemplary partner in the struggle against terrorism, and our military and political cooperation is growing. Morocco serves as a regional model for economic and political reform, and continued U.S. political/military assistance and engagement will help advance the positive changes underway and ensure the country remains a stable ally and a leader in the North Africa region. End Comment. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco ***************************************** Kaplan