From the very first minutes of the inaugural session, the tone was set. Abdellatif Hammouchi addressed a packed room to emphasize the importance of the moment and the scope of the decisions that would be discussed during this 93rd Interpol General Assembly.
The head of the DGSN-DGST division emphasized that states can no longer afford to act in isolation against criminal networks that move from one continent to another and use increasingly sophisticated technological tools. The attentive delegations listened to a presentation that laid the groundwork for the week's discussions. The Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance began by reiterating the rationale behind Interpol's choice to hold its General Assembly in Morocco. He explained that the Kingdom's hosting of this General Assembly stems from its firm and unwavering commitment to strengthening multilateral security and its serious involvement in consolidating the international front against the risks posed by transnational organized crime.
He added that this orientation is based on the high instructions of King Mohammed VI, since the Sovereign considers security as a shared responsibility, which can only be preserved through the consolidation of institutional cooperation, the establishment of community partnerships on the one hand, and the strengthening of international cooperation and solidarity on the other.
The opening ceremony of the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly is underway in Marrakech 🇲🇦
— INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) November 24, 2025
Abdellatif Hammouchi explained that the National Security services in Morocco have committed to developing an integrated security strategy where the preservation of security is inseparable from respect for human rights, and where police action does not conflict with security communication. This strategy has enhanced the police mission, the service to the nation and its citizens, and guaranteed public safety and security.
And because security challenges now transcend national borders, due to the expansion of digital criminal infrastructures, the interconnection of illicit networks and the emergence of new and cross-border forms of crime, it has become necessary to create a common, indivisible security architecture, to which national security services and authorities contribute, in close cooperation with Interpol and all relevant regional organizations.
Why it became necessary to create an indivisible security architecture
Faced with these transnational threats, the head of the DGSN-DGST (National Security and Territorial Surveillance Directorate) called for the creation of a common security framework. He explained that collective security requires the creation of a common, indivisible architecture, built in close cooperation with Interpol and regional organizations.
He added that citizens of different countries expect ever higher levels of efficiency from police forces and that this requirement cannot be met without an intensification of cooperation mechanisms between states.
Achieving our collective security requires the development of our national security institutions and the implementation of effective mechanisms that meet citizens' growing expectations of global policing. It also requires improving international cooperation mechanisms and intensifying mutual assistance between states, summarized the Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance.
While organized crime and violent extremism recognize no borders or geographical limits, security requires regional and international extensions capable of effectively countering the transnational ramifications of crime and terrorism, warned Abdellatif Hammouchi.
Faced with these transnational threats, the head of the DGSN-DGST (National Security Directorate - General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance) called for the creation of a common security framework. He explained that we cannot achieve this desired collective security without strong security partnerships, without equitable cooperation between states, and without rapid, secure, and effective mechanisms for exchanging information and conducting joint operations in multiple countries and across multiple continents.
The Director General also praised Interpol’s role, stating that the organization plays a crucial role in facilitating international security cooperation, strengthening multilateral policing mechanisms and establishing close links between law enforcement agencies in different member states.
If we all aspire to a safer future, where security is a fundamental pillar of development and an essential basis for prosperity and stability, then the path to this goal must necessarily pass through the work of our General Assembly, which is being held today in the ochre city of Marrakech,, he continued.
Cybercrime as a major issue
It is encouraging that this General Assembly is addressing new security challenges and emerging global risks. The launch of new, cutting-edge global policing capabilities, the strengthening of regional cooperation, and the encouragement of States to accede to the United Nations Convention on Combating Cybercrime are all urgent areas that promote greater international convergence in the face of cybercrime, which has become one of the most aggressive threats to States and their stability, he stated.
Similarly, the inclusion of a key point on the role of women in the police, with a view to drawing lessons for leadership capable of bringing about effective change in the police system, is a remarkable initiative that enshrines the gender approach in the security field, particularly in light of the major successes achieved by female police officers in the most complex and dangerous situations, noted Abdellatif Hammouchi.
In conclusion to his speech, the head of the DGSN-DGST division stated that Morocco is confident in the success of this General Assembly.
Abdellatif Hammouchi assured that the Kingdom remains determined to strengthen its joint action with Interpol and all international partners, adding that security is a collective achievement to which everyone must contribute.
