The historic relations and strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States celebrated at the US Congress

For the duration of a gala evening, the US Congress, the temple of American democracy, the stronghold of the nation’s political memory and the antechamber of the greatest diplomatic decisions shaping the world, adopted a distinctly Moroccan rhythm.

All the political elite of the US federal capital gathered in the austere Kennedy Caucus Room for a rare honor granted by the US Congress to a foreign partner.

Held as part of the Project Legacy Morocco initiative, the evening brought together more than 200 guests, including political dignitaries, senators, members of Congress, senior military officials, diplomats, as well as a broad representation of the Moroccan community in the United States.

This high level presence reflects the broad consensus enjoyed by the Kingdom of Morocco among American decision makers across party lines, as well as the exceptional partnership between Rabat and Washington, established as a model of effective and structured relations built on a clear vision and a constant commitment.

In their speeches on this occasion, several Republican and Democratic senators and members of Congress paid tribute to the centuries old friendship and special relationship between the United States and Morocco, which originated in the historic decision of the Kingdom in 1777 to become the first nation to recognize the independence of the young American Republic.

In this regard, Republican Senator Tim Sheehy recalled that at a time when “the American nation was seeking to establish itself on the international stage, Morocco was one of the few countries to offer its support and recognize its legitimacy.”

“Today, and in these times of uncertainty, whether it is the fight against terrorism or new threats, it is more important than ever to invest in our alliances and to remain firm in these relationships,” the young senator from Montana said.

For his part, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine stressed the strategic importance of the Rabat Washington axis, noting the interest for the United States, which this year is commemorating the 250th anniversary of its independence, in also celebrating this special relationship with “our oldest diplomatic partner,” the Kingdom of Morocco.

Mr. Kaine, who is also a former Governor of Virginia, stated that the relationship with Morocco remains “very important for the United States and it will only grow in importance.”

Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta pointed out that nearly 250 years later, Morocco remains one of America’s oldest allies “with which we maintain very high quality relations at the diplomatic, military and economic levels.”

He also recalled in this regard that the Kingdom of Morocco remains the only country on the African continent to be linked to the United States by a free trade agreement.

Morocco’s Ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, for his part underlined that thanks to the choices and vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, “it is now possible to celebrate not only the countless achievements of a strategic partnership rooted in history, but also the ambitious prospects of a relationship of unique friendship and trust.”

“Nearly 250 years of diplomatic relations do not happen by chance. They are built, strengthened and preserved, as they reflect above all a commitment that has never wavered, a friendship that has never hesitated, and a vision that has always upheld a particular sense of loyalty, understanding and respect.”

Mr. Amrani recalled that for Morocco, the strategic partnership with the United States is “the natural extension of an irreversible choice constantly enriched, enhanced and structured by the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and that of his august predecessors, from the late His Majesty King Hassan II to Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, the founding father of this diplomatic bond.”

“Nothing and no one could, 250 years ago, have predicted that two nations so geographically distant would become the exceptional partners they are today, with all the particularity that characterizes their relations,” Mr. Amrani observed.

As the only African country to have concluded a free trade agreement with the United States, Morocco is also the first country to have launched the largest joint military exercise on the continent with Washington, he recalled.

“Where naive minds might see the product of chance, more informed geopolitical readings understand that this is a diplomacy of action, a friendship of conviction and above all an unprecedented intertwining of Atlantic wills and visions on both sides of the Atlantic.”

A level of understanding which, as the ambassador noted, has made it possible to reach advanced levels of convergence on the most structuring issues for both Morocco and the United States. The American recognition of the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its southern provinces is a clear illustration of this, he said.

“Our two countries know each other deeply, understand each other perfectly and support each other durably, favoring constant dialogue that is not shaped by circumstances or narrow interests.”

As a result, Rabat and Washington remain united by “a foundation of shared values, achievements and ambitions that allows us to project ourselves into a continuously rising dynamic of joint accomplishments, suggesting that as exceptional as the past 250 years have been, they are only the prelude to a future partnership that sets no limits on the horizon,” the ambassador concluded.

Editorial team/le7tv