Turning Solidarity into Action: Saudi Arabia, Morocco Deepen Strategic Alignment
Saudi Arabia and Morocco are taking tangible steps to strengthen cooperation and alignment to address key regional challenges.
From a strong message of solidarity to bilateral defense discussions, Riyadh and Rabat are actively turning pledges into operational readiness, bridging the Arabian Gulf and North Africa.
Enhancing Defense Cooperation
Driving the News: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a phone discussion with his Moroccan counterpart Abdellatif Loudyi on Monday, September 28, 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Big Picture: Their discussions covered avenues for strengthening bilateral defense cooperation to fulfill the aspirations of both countries’ leaderships, as well as joint efforts to support regional security and stability amid the recent developments.
Why It Matters: The phone call came one day after the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, sent two cables of solidarity to Saudi Arabia‘s leadership. It underscores Rabat’s commitment to translating high-level pledges into practical defense coordination, joint security mechanisms, and regional stability frameworks.
Alignment in a Turbulent Region
State of Play: The call between the two defense ministers comes at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East. Regional security and global economic stability have come to the brink due to mounting threats to energy infrastructure and maritime trade routes.
The Backstory: In recent weeks, the Iranian-backed Houthi militia has been targeting Saudi civilian and energy facilities, as well as commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea, with drones and missiles. These attacks have sent shockwaves across the global economy and prompted Western allies to step up coordination with Riyadh to confront the threat.
Moroccan Solidarity
The Context: In separate messages to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Mohammed VI of Morocco condemned the repeated Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The Moroccan King also called for accountability for the Houthis and their supporters, including with international sanctions.
Between the Lines: King Mohammed VI warned that these attacks seek to undermine the security of the entire region, disrupt the stability of its countries, and threaten vital maritime routes of paramount importance to the global economy and the security of international maritime navigation.
In His Words: “The security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, like those of the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, are an integral part of the security of the Kingdom of Morocco. Any attack on Saudi Arabia is an attack on Morocco.” – King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Saudi-Moroccan Diplomatic Coordination
Zoom In: Saudi Arabia and Morocco share robust political, economic, and strategic ties, grounded in their interest in establishing regional security.
Flashback: On the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita. The two ministers reviewed Saudi-Moroccan ties and ways to bolster bilateral cooperation. Moreover, they discussed regional issues and topics of mutual interest.
Bilateral Economic Ties
The Deep Dive: Economically, Riyadh and Rabat enjoy a growing trade and investment partnership, anchored in sustainability, agricultural innovation, and renewable energy.
The Catalyst: This economic partnership was further strengthened by a mutual investment protection agreement signed in October 2025 to boost joint projects and trade.
By the Numbers: (as of 2024)
- SAR 5 billion ($1.33 billion): Total trade volume.
- SAR 4.3 billion ($1.15 billion): Saudi exports to Morocco.
- SAR 640 million ($170 million): Moroccan exports to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Exports to Morocco: Cars and vehicles, insulated wires, chemical fertilizers, petroleum, and women’s clothing.
Moroccan Exports to Saudi Arabia: Refined petroleum, cars and vehicle accessories, inorganic chemicals, wheat, fruit, and clothing.
The Takeaway: From defense to trade, Saudi Arabia and Morocco are solidifying their partnership as a cornerstone for long-term regional stability, sovereignty, and Arab security integration.
