Buchan’s nomination was first announced last March by President Donald Trump, who emphasized that the new U.S. Ambassador to Morocco “will play a key role as we strengthen peace, freedom, and prosperity for both our nations.”
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 29, Ambassador Buchan highlighted Morocco’s status as “a pillar of stability,” noting that its strategic location makes it “essential” to U.S. national security.
He expressed his commitment to strengthening the “long-standing relationship” between Washington and Rabat in the field of security, stressing that Morocco is one of the United States’ oldest partners.
“Our Treaty of Peace and Friendship dates back to 1786. For nearly 240 years, our bilateral relations have made Americans and Moroccans safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” he said.
Buchan also described Morocco as “a model economic partner,” emphasizing that the two nations maintain strong trade ties. He called for the promotion of American investment opportunities “throughout the Kingdom, where U.S. innovation and technology can support Morocco’s ambitions in developing its technology, transport, agriculture, and energy sectors.”
The new Ambassador also reaffirmed the U.S. position, reiterated on April 8 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and supporting “Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic Autonomy Initiative as the only basis for a just and lasting solution” to the regional dispute.
He added that the U.S. Secretary of State also reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s call for the parties “to engage without delay in negotiations, with Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as the sole framework for reaching a mutually acceptable solution.”
Ambassador Buchan pledged to “facilitate progress toward that objective.” His confirmation by the Senate comes a day after the U.S. government announced that the United States encourages American investment in Morocco’s Southern Provinces.
Duke Buchan III previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra (2017–2021). A native of North Carolina, born in 1963, he has an extensive background in finance and investment.
Editorial team/le7tv