Morocco, United States Reaffirm Strategic Partnership
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Aziz Akhannouch on Thursday received Christopher Landau in the Moroccan capital, as the United States reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic ties with the Kingdom. The meeting was attended by Duke Buchan and marked the final leg of Landau’s first official visit to Morocco.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and Donald Trump, with both sides emphasizing the depth and resilience of the longstanding partnership.
Akhannouch expressed Morocco’s appreciation for Washington’s stance on the Western Sahara issue, as the United States reiterated its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory and reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only viable basis for a lasting resolution.
The Moroccan premier also welcomed US backing for American companies seeking to invest in the Kingdom’s southern provinces, highlighting opportunities in green hydrogen, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture. He underscored Morocco’s growing role as a strategic gateway for American investment into Africa within a mutually beneficial partnership framework.
Both sides reviewed prospects for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development, stressing the importance of bilateral mechanisms such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the International Development Finance Corporation. Discussions also covered the increasing involvement of American firms in Morocco’s social sectors, particularly education and healthcare.
The meeting followed a series of high-level engagements during Landau’s visit. On Wednesday, he held talks with Nasser Bourita, describing the exchange as “excellent” and noting discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.
During the visit, Morocco also announced its decision to join the US-led “Trade Over Aid” initiative, unveiled at the United Nations in New York, and highlighted the launch of the 22nd edition of the African Lion military exercises, the largest on the continent.
Bourita further noted that bilateral trade between Morocco and the United States has increased sevenfold since the implementation of their free trade agreement—the only such accord Washington maintains with an African nation. Morocco also signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the 64th country and the fifth in Africa to join the initiative.
In a symbolic gesture, Landau and Buchan paid tribute at the Mohammed V Mausoleum, honoring the legacy of Morocco’s past monarchs. The US Embassy reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two nations, which spans more than 250 years.
Landau also announced the inauguration of a new US consulate in Casablanca’s Casablanca Finance City, representing an investment exceeding $300 million. The opening complements the historic American Legation, the oldest US diplomatic property abroad and a designated US National Historic Landmark.
The talks underscored the historic nature of Morocco-US relations, dating back to 1777 when Morocco became the first country to recognize American independence. The two nations formalized ties through the 1786 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which remains the longest-standing unbroken treaty in US history.
Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to further strengthening this enduring partnership across political, economic, and strategic domains.
