Fortifying Strategic Bonds: Aziz Akhannouch Hosts Influential US Congressional Delegation

Monday 25 March 2024 - 14:00

In a momentous diplomatic exchange, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch welcomed an influential delegation consisting of six US senators representing both Republican and Democratic parties on Monday, March 25th. The presence of the US Ambassador to Morocco alongside the congressional members underscored the significance of this visit in fostering strategic ties.

The delegation's purposeful visit to the Kingdom was aimed at exploring avenues to further fortify the robust bilateral relationship between Morocco and the United States, guided by the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Joe Biden, as highlighted in a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, attended by Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development and the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies, both sides accentuated the multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. They expressed contentment with the upward trajectory of trade exchanges, which have surged from 43.4 billion dirhams in 2021 to an impressive 68.9 billion dirhams currently. Additionally, the discussions underscored Morocco's potential as a strategic platform for American investments in the African continent, fostering a mutually advantageous partnership.

Prime Minister Akhannouch emphasized that the deep-rooted relations between Rabat and Washington are strengthened by close coordination on various regional and international matters. He highlighted Morocco's leadership role and its contributions to enhancing stability in the North Africa and Middle East regions.

Furthermore, Akhannouch conveyed Morocco's gratitude for the United States' recognition of its sovereignty over the Sahara region in late 2020 and its endorsement of the autonomy plan as a serious, realistic, and credible solution to the longstanding dispute.

The discussions also paid homage to the historic centuries-old ties between the two nations, dating back to the signing of the Moroccan-American Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1787, which remains the oldest treaty ratified by the United States with a foreign nation.

As the visit unfolded, both sides reiterated their commitment to further solidifying the strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States, encompassing political, economic, and security cooperation for the mutual benefit of their respective nations and the broader global community.