Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire deepen military ties with new agreement

Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire signed a military cooperation agreement Friday, aimed at expanding bilateral defence ties, Moroccan media reported. Signed in Rabat by Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence, Abdellatif Loudiyi, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Defence Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara, the accord covers military training, education, health services, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing.

The agreement reflects broader ambitions to reinforce South-South cooperation and regional stability. Loudiyi cited King Mohammed VI’s initiative to develop Africa’s Atlantic coast into a zone of integration and prosperity, including Sahel states seeking access to maritime trade. Ouattara, visiting with a high-level delegation, praised Morocco’s leadership and strategic engagement in West Africa.

Both sides pledged to implement the terms of the agreement swiftly, signalling their commitment to strengthening defence ties and supporting mutual security interests. The move builds on Morocco’s growing role in African security and Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to modernise its armed forces.