Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska presided on Tuesday in Madrid over a ceremony honoring Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, with the Grand Cross of Merit of the Spanish Civil Guard, the institution's highest distinction awarded to foreign figures. According to a statement from Morocco's security services, the event was attended by Mercedes González Fernández, head of the Civil Guard and senior security officials from both countries. In his address, Minister Grande-Marlaska said the decoration reflects Spain's recognition of Hammouchi's outstanding role in strengthening security cooperation between Morocco and Spain, as well as his efforts to enhance operational coordination and mutual assistance against cross-border threats. He also praised Hammouchi's «exceptional work in modernizing Morocco's security and intelligence services», describing them as a global model in counterterrorism and the fight against organized crime. The Spanish official reaffirmed his country's commitment to partnership with Morocco in ensuring the success of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which he called an opportunity to deepen ties between the two kingdoms. Civil Guard officials said the honor represents a testament to the excellent cooperation linking the two countries' security institutions. The ceremony followed a Spanish government decree approving the award on the minister's proposal. Hammouchi previously received Spain's Cross of Police Merit with Red Distinction in 2014 and has also been decorated three times by France, including the Legion of Honor (Officer) in 2025. At the Arab level, he was awarded the Prince Nayef Arab Security Award (First Class) earlier this year. In Morocco, King Mohammed VI decorated Hammouchi with the Order of the Throne (Officer Class) in 2011 for his key role in solving the Argana café terrorist attack in Marrakesh.
