In the colors of the Moroccan flag, the US Congress celebrated the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States, in a symbolic gesture reflecting the depth of one of Washington's oldest diplomatic relationships with its partners around the world.
This celebration took place during an official ceremony held at the US Congress, the bastion of American democracy, the repository of US political and diplomatic decision-making, and the center for shaping major trends that define international relations.
In the opulent Kennedy Assembly Room, a select group of decision-makers in the nation's capital gathered for a rare occasion where the US Congress dedicated special recognition to a foreign partner, a powerful indication of the distinguished position Morocco holds within the American political system.
This evening, organized as part of the "Project Legacy Morocco" initiative, was attended by more than 200 people, including members of the Senate and House of Representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties, senior military officials, diplomats, and a significant number of members of the Moroccan community residing in the United States.
This high-level attendance reflects the rare consensus that the Kingdom of Morocco enjoys across the spectrum of American political currents. It also embodies the strength of the bilateral partnership, which has risen to an advanced model of strategic relations built on clarity, continuity, and mutual commitment.
During their remarks, several members of Congress emphasized the deep historical roots of Moroccan-American relations, dating back to 1777, when Morocco became the first country in the world to officially recognize the independence of the United States of America, a pivotal moment in the history of the young republic.
In this context, Republican Senator Tim Sheehy affirmed that “Morocco was among the few countries that stood by the United States at a time when it was striving to establish its presence on the international stage,” adding that the current era, characterized by increasing security and geopolitical challenges, necessitates, more than ever, investing in and preserving historical alliances.
For his part, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine emphasized the strategic importance of the Rabat-Washington axis, highlighting the symbolic significance of the United States, as it prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its independence, celebrating its relationship with its “oldest diplomatic partner,” the Kingdom of Morocco. He affirmed that this relationship “will remain of pivotal importance to the United States and will grow even stronger and more influential in the future.”
In turn, Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta emphasized that Morocco remains, after nearly two and a half centuries, one of the oldest and closest allies of the United States, with which it enjoys advanced relations at the diplomatic, military, and economic levels. He noted that the Kingdom of Morocco remains the only African country with a free trade agreement with Washington.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United States, Youssef Amrani, affirmed that celebrating this strategic partnership is not merely about recalling past achievements, but also reflects ambitious prospects for a relationship built on mutual trust and a shared vision for the future, thanks to the choices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Al-Amrani added that “nearly 250 years of diplomatic relations are not built by chance or managed haphazardly, but rather are constructed through accumulation, maintained through loyalty, and reflect a steadfast commitment and deep-rooted friendship between two countries that have chosen to invest in continuity and mutual respect.”
The ambassador pointed out that the partnership with the United States represents a natural extension of an irreversible strategic choice for Morocco, reinforced by the Alaouite monarchs, from Sultan Sidi Mohammed bin Abdullah, the first founder of this relationship, to His Majesty the late King Hassan II, and up to His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Al-Amrani noted that Morocco, in addition to being the only African partner of the United States with a free trade agreement, is also the country hosting the largest joint military exercise led by Washington on the African continent, an indication of the depth of security and military cooperation between the two countries.
He affirmed that this strategic convergence has led to advanced understanding on a number of priority structural issues, noting that the US recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces is one of the most prominent manifestations of this convergence of visions and positions.
The ambassador concluded by emphasizing that Rabat and Washington are based on a solid foundation of shared values and common aspirations, allowing for a future trajectory of escalating cooperation that renders the past 250 years, despite their exceptional symbolic significance, merely a prelude to a strategic partnership that knows no bounds.
