RABAT, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- An annual symposium among African air force chiefs of staff kicked off in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on Monday to tackle regional security challenges and promote dialogue between air forces in Africa.

Organized by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa with the support of the Moroccan Royal Air Forces (FRA), the two-day event is attended by senior air force officials from some 30 African countries.

Speaking at the opening of the symposium, El Abed Alaoui Bouhamid, inspector of the FRA, expressed Morocco's willingness to explore bilateral and multilateral cooperation, develop "win-win" relations, strengthen the culture of excellence and tolerance, and promote peace and democracy in Africa.

Tod Wolters, commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, said the main objective of the symposium is to strengthen and consolidate the bonds of mutual friendship, cooperation and support.

Transnational threats and extremist organizations endanger security and stability, not only for Africa but also for the entire international community, Wolters noted.