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Celebrating 250 years of US-Morocco diplomatic relations

Friday 28 - 10:20 By: Dakir Madiha

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The United States has introduced a congressional resolution to honor its long-standing diplomatic ties with Morocco, coinciding with the upcoming 250th anniversary of their relationship in 2027.

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution recognizing Morocco as “the first country to officially recognize the United States on December 1, 1777.” This significant milestone highlights two and a half centuries of diplomatic relations between the nations.

Resolution 251, titled “Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America,” references key historical events that shaped their partnership. Notably, it mentions Sultan Muhammed Ben Abdullah's decision to open Moroccan ports to American merchants and the Continental Congress's first democratic correspondence sent to Morocco in 1780.

The resolution also emphasizes the importance of the “Treaty of Peace and Friendship,” signed in 1787, which formally established diplomatic ties. This treaty is celebrated as the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship in US history.

Further, it acknowledges Morocco's gift of the Tangier American Legation in 1821, marking it as the first American diplomatic property abroad and a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The resolution applauds Morocco’s commitment to religious coexistence and the protection of Jewish communities, as well as its ongoing efforts in interfaith dialogue and Holocaust education.

Additionally, the resolution welcomes Morocco’s involvement in the “Abraham Accords,” a series of controversial US-brokered agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Arab states and Israel.

The document outlines the multifaceted partnership established between Morocco and the US, built on strategic, economic, and cultural interests. Notably, Morocco is recognized as the only African nation with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, which has been in effect since 2006. This agreement positioned Morocco as the 46th largest export market for the US in 2024, according to the Office of US Trade Representatives.

The resolution also highlights Morocco's participation in global initiatives such as nuclear nonproliferation and efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking. It underscores the cooperation between the two countries in regional security, counterterrorism, and military coordination, notably through the “African Lion” joint military exercises, which have been ongoing since 2007.

The US House of Representatives has called for sustained collaboration in trade, security, digital transformation, and humanitarian efforts, reinforcing the commitment to celebrate their long-standing partnership as they approach 2027.

Historically, Morocco recognized the United States in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War, aiming to establish robust trade relations and counterbalance European powers while asserting its independence in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions.

However, the US has faced criticism in Morocco in recent years, with analysts questioning America’s historical role as a settler colony and its involvement in conflicts in the Middle East and beyond.