Morocco marks 250 years of uninterrupted ties with U.S., recalls early recognition

Morocco marked a significant diplomatic anniversary, celebrating 250 years of continuous relations with the United States. A colloquium organized by the Moroccan agency MAP in Washington recalled how Sultan Mohamed III was the first foreign leader to recognize U.S. independence in 1776, a historical gesture that laid the foundation for a unique partnership.

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Our relationship with the United States has never been transactional; it has always been strategic from the beginning.

The event also served as an occasion to express gratitude for the Trump administration's backing of Rabat's sovereignty plan for Western Sahara in 2020. Moroccan Ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, underscored the enduring strategic nature of the relationship, stating it has never been transactional. He highlighted the treaty of Peace and Amity as the longest-standing international treaty in U.S. history, demonstrating exceptional continuity through various administrations and geopolitical shifts.

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Throughout different moments and eras, changes of administrations and geopolitical transformations, our partnership has demonstrated an exceptional degree of continuity.

Amrani described the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara as one of the most important diplomatic milestones in bilateral history. He also noted Morocco's adherence to the Abraham Accords, its bilateral trade agreement, and its status as a non-NATO strategic ally. MAP agency president Fouad Arif echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Morocco's pioneering role in recognizing the U.S. and the consistent evolution of their relationship.

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The recognition by President Trump of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara marked one of the most important diplomatic milestones in our bilateral history.