The United States and the Kingdom of Morocco have signed a new bilateral Container Security Initiative (CSI) arrangement aimed at facilitating the large volume of cargo moving between the two countries. The signing ceremony took place in Rabat, with Donald Conroy from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Abdellatif Amrani from Morocco's Customs and Excise Administration present. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Aimee Cutrona also attended.
“Today’s signing marks not just the expansion of the CSI program, but the strengthening of a partnership rooted in trust, innovation, and a shared responsibility to protect our global community,” said Conroy.
The initiative aims to enhance law enforcement efforts between the U.S. and Morocco by improving targeting and information sharing to identify customs violations and other threats in cargo transit. Casablanca and Tanger Med are key ports for Morocco's trade, with Tanger Med being Africa's largest port.
“With this accession, we reaffirm our commitment to harmonizing security with the seamless flow of trade, thereby consolidating Tanger Med’s standing as a secure, world-class maritime hub,” stated Amrani.
The CSI operates on a forward-deployed, risk-based security model that partners with foreign customs administrations to pre-screen cargo posing potential threats using advanced technology and intelligence.
Launched in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks, the CSI seeks to inspect high-risk maritime cargo containers at foreign ports before they are shipped to the United States. In 2013, CBP and Moroccan Customs established a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement for exchanging information to enforce customs laws.
“Today's signing of the new Container Security Initiative arrangement between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco marks a significant milestone in our enduring partnership. This agreement not only strengthens our collaborative efforts to secure global supply chains but also underscores our shared commitment to innovation, security, and economic prosperity,” said Cutrona.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's primary law enforcement organization responsible for securing borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
