Morocco received the first batch of the Chinese FD-2000B air defense system ordered in 2017 last December. Enough to compete with Algeria, the protector of the Polisario independence movement, which has cut ties with the kingdom, particularly because of the dispute over the Sahara, and has equipped itself with a comparable system from Russia.
In December, Spain imported 69% of liquefied natural gas compared to 47% in 2020, an increase due to the closure by Algeria of the Maghreb-Europe pipeline passing through Morocco.
Relations between Morocco and China are strengthening. The two countries signed a partnership agreement last Wednesday for the implementation of the Chinese strategic project of the "New Silk Roads".
After the non-renewal by the Algerian authorities of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline (GME) connecting Algeria to Spain via Morocco, the Moroccan authorities are working to find alternative solutions. The port of Mohammedia will soon welcome the first Moroccan LNG terminal, equipped with a unit for converting liquefied natural gas into natural gas.
Lahcen Abdel Khaleq is no longer the Moroccan ambassador to Algeria. Against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad has terminated his duties.
Morocco has acquired Turkish, Israeli, and Chinese drones and is preparing to acquire American drones not only to strengthen its air defense system but also to deter the ambitions of Algeria and the separatist movement, the Polisario. Gradually, the kingdom is becoming an emerging military power in the region.
Initially scheduled from January 13 to 23, 2022 in Guelmim and Laâyoune, the 25th African Nations Cup for senior men will start next June. After accepting the appeal of Algeria, which boycotted this major sporting event because of the chosen venue (Sahara), the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) ordered the resumption of the draw.
At the end of the year, King Mohammed VI orders a review of the remuneration of the elements of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) assigned to the border area with Algeria in the Sahara. This will bring joy to the hearts of the soldiers.
The Moroccan news was mainly marked in 2021 by the diplomatic crisis with Spain and the migratory episode of Ceuta, the organization of legislative elections, not to mention the tensions with Germany and the breakdown of relations with Algeria which led to the closure of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline.
In Morocco, many Algerians have been living in anguish since Algeria’s decisions to break off diplomatic relations with Rabat and close its airspace to all Moroccan planes . They hope for a very rapid return to calm.
The Chinese construction giant, China Communications Construction Co (CCCC), is about to be selected to carry out the construction work of a floating regasification unit in Morocco.
Spain is directly affected by the crisis between Algeria and Morocco, which led to the severance in August of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the non-renewal at the end of October of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline that serves Spain.