Morocco–United States: Congress Celebrates a 250-Year-Old Historic Alliance

Several U.S. congressmen and senators praised the historic friendship and strategic partnership linking Morocco and the United States, which have made the Kingdom a reliable and indispensable ally of America for 250 years.

At a Gala dinner organized on Tuesday evening at the U.S. Congress, as part of the “Project Legacy Morocco” initiative, these American lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, sought to pay tribute to the age-old relations between the United States and Morocco, which originated in the Kingdom’s historic decision in 1777 to become the first nation to recognize the independence of the young American Republic.

A very powerful political act that today finds its full historical significance and diplomatic reach as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of their independence this year.

“Only 18 months after the Declaration of Independence, Morocco was the first country to recognize the newly independent American Republic, paving the way for the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1786, still in force today and which is the longest unbroken treaty in U.S. history,” praised Republican congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

“Tangier still houses the first American diplomatic property abroad, an enduring symbol of this unbreakable bond,” emphasized the representative from the State of Iowa in Congress, noting that Morocco remains today the only African country bound by a free trade agreement with the United States and designated as a major non-NATO ally.

For his part, Democratic congressman Sanford Bishop rejoiced that the relations between the United States and Morocco are “almost as old as the American nation itself,” emphasizing that the centuries-old friendship between the two countries has evolved and strengthened over the centuries.

The Kingdom of Morocco constitutes today a reliable and essential partner for America in several respects, affirmed the representative from the State of Georgia, expressing the hope that the strategic partnership between Rabat and Washington will continue to strengthen for the mutual benefit of the two nations.

A similar sentiment was echoed by congressman Jonathan Jackson, for whom the Moroccan-American friendship has withstood the test of time and the geopolitical and ideological vicissitudes the world has experienced over the past two and a half centuries, in the sense that this centuries-old relationship continues to deepen over time.

“Today, as we face several global challenges, we do not do so as strangers, but as long-time partners. Our task now is not only to celebrate history but also to extend it, to ensure that the next 250 years are marked by peace, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to human flourishing,” emphasized the Democratic representative from Illinois.

For his part, Republican senator Tim Sheehy recalled that at a time when “the American nation sought 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 war on terror or new threats, it is more important than ever to invest in our alliances and to stand firm in these relationships,” pleaded the young senator from Montana.

Democratic senator Tim Kaine insisted, for his part, on the strategic importance of the Rabat-Washington axis, highlighting the interest for the United States, which is commemorating the 250th anniversary of their independence this year, to also celebrate this special relationship with “our oldest diplomatic partner,” the Kingdom of Morocco.

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

For his part, Democratic congressman Jimmy Panetta noted that after nearly 250 years, Morocco remains today one of America’s oldest allies “with whom we maintain high-quality relations at the diplomatic, military, and economic levels.”