Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi began his first official visit to Morocco on Tuesday, announced the Israeli military.
“The visit commenced with a tour and commemoration ceremony at the Mausoleum of King Muhammad V and King Hassan II. The Chief of the General Staff laid a wreath on behalf of the IDF and the State of Israel and signed the guest book at the site,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
Kochavi then met with Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco’s minister-delegate to the head of government in charge of the National Defense Administration.
“Following the discussion, [Kochavi] continued to the headquarters of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (FAR), where he was welcomed by an honor guard,” stated the Israeli military.
He also held discussions with the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Belkhir El Farouk, and the head of the 2nd Bureau (Intelligence Directorate), BG Brahim Hassani, added the IDF.
Kochavi later attended strategic discussion panels chaired by senior commanders that focused on opportunities for military cooperation in exercises and training, as well as in the operational and intelligence fields.
“The officials noted the historical and cultural ties between the two nations and their common interests in the Middle East,” said the IDF.
In February, Globes reported that Israel Aerospace Industries will supply the Moroccan military with Barak MX air- and missile-defense systems in a deal worth more than $500 million.
According to the report, Morocco requested the system and other equipment when Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited the country, which is part of the Abraham Accords, in November 2021.
