The armed forces in Pakistan and Morocco began the third edition of their joint bilateral military exercise Monday with a focus on counter-terrorism and professional skills improvement, according to a statement from Pakistan’s military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The opening ceremony took place at Special Operations School in Cherat, a military training facility located in the hilly terrain of northwestern Pakistan’s Nowshera District.

The exercise, entitled Pak-Morocco Joint Bilateral Military Exercise-2025, brings together Pakistan’s Elite Special Services Group (SSG) and Moroccan special forces. The goal, noticed ISPR, is to promote interoperability, exchange tactical expertise and strengthen long -term defense ties between the two nations.

“The exercise is aimed at refining professional skills through joint training and utilizing historical military-to-military relations between the friendly countries,” ISPR said in a statement.

Pakistan shares a history of hot diplomatic and military relations with several Arab countries, including Morocco. These ties are often translated into joint educational exercises, defense production partnerships and the sharing of terrorism intelligence.

Last year, the collaboration expanded into the space domain when the Moroccan Air Force Inspector, Major General Mohammed Gadih, visited Pakistan and discussed expanding military cooperation. During his visit, Pakistan Air Force Chief confirmed the country’s obligation to offer basic and tactical training programs to Moroccan staff.

The ongoing military exercise is seen as another step towards strengthening defense diplomacy and operational coordination between the two Islamic nations.