“Morocco and France Join Forces: New Security Pact Targets Cross-Border Crime”

Morocco and France Join Forces: New Security Pact Targets Cross-Border Crime

Rabat – In a landmark step to strengthen international security collaboration, Morocco and France signed a Joint Action Plan aimed at fighting cross-border organized crime and enhancing police cooperation between the two nations.

The agreement was signed Tuesday in Rabat by Abdellatif Hammouchi, Morocco’s Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, and his French counterpart, Louis Laugier, Director General of the French National Police. Laugier was accompanied by the French Ambassador to Morocco and a high-level delegation of French police officials.

According to a statement from Morocco’s DGSN-DGST, the plan outlines a roadmap for intensified cooperation on transnational threats, including tracking fugitives and combating international crime networks. The meeting also marked Laugier’s official visit to the Kingdom, reflecting France’s commitment to deepen its long-standing partnership with Morocco in the field of security.

This new action plan seeks to institutionalize decades of collaboration between the two police forces. It will also open the door to creating joint task forces, increasing intelligence sharing, and launching new technical assistance programs.

Highlighting the importance of the agreement, French officials praised Morocco’s key role in assisting French security operations—especially in counter-terrorism and the arrest of internationally wanted individuals. Morocco’s efforts are also seen as crucial in helping France prepare for major events such as the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to global security, Hammouchi was awarded the Officer of the Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest distinctions. The French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, presented the insignia during a special ceremony.

Hammouchi and Laugier also held extended talks to evaluate ongoing cooperation and identify new strategies to enhance preparedness against evolving security threats.

This visit and the signed action plan underscore the strong, strategic partnership between Morocco and France—one built on trust, operational success, and a shared commitment to safety at both national and international levels.