Hello, I am Bonnie Jenkins, the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security from the United States’s Department of State. I would like to thank Foreign Minister Bourita and the Kingdom of Morocco for their hospitality today, and their partnership and cooperation in ensuring greater security in Africa, under the leadership of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI and his visionary approach towards the continent.
There are a growing number of threats in the world, and strong partnerships around the globe are critical to providing the security necessary for peace and prosperity. I was pleased to discuss the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco and our roles in building international security in Africa and the region. From nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament to norms of responsible behavior in emerging technologies, and to regional security, Morocco’s leadership and collaboration is invaluable.
Over the next three days, Morocco and the United States are hosting many countries from across the continent, as well as regional partners and allies within the Proliferation Security Initiative, or PSI. The PSI is a 106-nation initiative to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, or related material. The initiative aims to create alliances between states that will collaborate and use their national resources to create a variety of legal, diplomatic, economic, military, and other instruments to stop dangerous shipments by land, air, and sea. We hope to grow the PSI with the participation of many African nations and continue the global effort to counter the spread of destabilizing weapons.
We look forward to working together now and in the future.
Thank you.