Spain and Morocco Strengthen Counterterrorism Cooperation
Edited By: Widad Wahbi
Spain and Morocco have deepened their strategic cooperation in counterterrorism and security during a series of meetings held in Madrid between Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of Morocco’s National Security and Territorial Surveillance, and senior Spanish security officials.
During his visit, Hammouchi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Spanish Civil Guard — the institution’s highest honor granted to foreign figures for their contribution to international security cooperation.
Beyond the official ceremony, Hammouchi held bilateral talks with Spanish counterparts focused on reinforcing joint operations against terrorism, violent extremism, and drug trafficking. Discussions also addressed cybersecurity and human trafficking, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening operational channels and technical assistance. International security bodies have long cited this partnership as exemplary.
Diplomatic sources described the decoration as a symbol of “the solidity of the Spanish-Moroccan strategic alliance in policing and counterterrorism,” emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of stability in the western Mediterranean and North Africa.
The ceremony, chaired by Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, was attended by Civil Guard Director General Mercedes González Fernández, Brigadier General Luis Peláez Piñero, and other senior officials from both nations. Grande-Marlaska highlighted that the honor reflects Morocco’s “decisive role in shared security,” noting its active involvement in combating terrorism, organized crime, and irregular migration, as well as Hammouchi’s leadership in modernizing Moroccan intelligence services.
“This distinction represents mutual trust and respect between two nations that collaborate closely across all security fields,” the minister said, adding that this partnership will be key ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
Hammouchi’s recognition adds to a long list of international distinctions. Spain had already awarded him the Red Distinction Cross of Police Merit in 2014. France has honored him three times, most recently in June 2025, when he was appointed Officer of the Legion of Honor for his work in security cooperation. That same year, the Council of Arab Interior Ministers granted him the Prince Nayef Medal for Arab Security (First Class), acknowledging his efforts to enhance intelligence coordination among Arab states.
