Morocco called for stronger collective maritime cooperation as it opened the fourth annual African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS 2026) in Rabat, a partnership between the Royal Armed Forces and U.S. Naval and Marine Forces Europe-Africa. Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahine, inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, said Morocco remains committed to building partnerships based on trust and cooperation to strengthen maritime security in Africa and beyond, citing the guidance of King Mohammed VI. Tahine pointed to joint U.S.-African exercises such as African Lion, Obangame Express, Phoenix Express and Cutlass Express as evidence of sustained cooperation. He described Africa’s maritime spaces as vital to trade and regional stability but exposed to threats including smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing, environmental change and maritime terrorism, saying no single country can address them alone.