The landmark agreement, formalized during a three-day official visit by Rwanda's Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, to the Kingdom of Morocco, establishes a robust framework for enhanced military ties and lays the foundation for a broader strategic partnership.
Minister Marizamunda, accompanied by Rwanda's Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla Umutoni, Chief J7 Col David Mutayomba, and Lt Col Angeline Kamanzi, Director of Analysis in Defence Intelligence, began the visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
This solemn tribute honored the historical legacy of Morocco's father of independence, setting a tone of mutual respect and shared values.
According to Rwanda's Ministry of Defence, the first day's agenda featured a high-level bilateral meeting at the Headquarters of the Administration of National Defence in Morocco.
Minister Marizamunda and his delegation engaged in productive discussions with their Moroccan counterparts, led by Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defence.
The talks focused on strengthening defense cooperation, exploring avenues for joint training, intelligence sharing, and other strategic initiatives.
The culmination of the day was the formal signing of the Military Cooperation Agreement.
Rwanda and Morocco share a longstanding partnership, reinforced through multiple agreements over the years.
In 2016, King Mohammed VI visited Rwanda, during which the two nations signed 19 cooperation agreements in areas such as banking, diplomatic relations, and investment facilitation.
One of the agreements allowed diplomatic passport holders to travel between the two countries without restrictions.
In 2019, Rwanda and Morocco signed 12 additional agreements in Rabat, further solidifying their collaboration. Morocco remains a key partner in education, offering numerous scholarships to African students, including Rwandans.
In 2020, Rwanda's then-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta, and his Moroccan counterpart signed two agreements, one enhancing government collaboration and another focused on sports development in Africa.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-morocco-sign-military-cooperation-agreement
