Blinken congratulates King Mohammed VI on Throne Day and praises the historic partnership between Morocco and the U.S
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sent a message of congratulations to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people on the occasion of Morocco's Throne Day on 30 July, marking the 24th anniversary of the Alawite monarch's enthronement. In his message, Blinken praised the strong and enduring ties between Morocco and the United States and emphasised the importance of their strategic partnership for regional peace and stability.
Blinken sent his warmest congratulations and best wishes to the King and the Moroccan people on Throne Day, a bank holiday that honours the continuous rule of the Alawite dynasty in Morocco since the 17th century. "On this special day, we honour the achievements of the Moroccan people under His Majesty's visionary leadership," Blinken said.
The US Secretary of State highlighted the strength and longevity of the relationship between Morocco and the United States, which dates back more than two centuries. "Our deep and enduring relationship remains a pillar of peace and stability for our two countries and for the region," Blinken said, according to Morocco World News. In this message, Blinken recalled that Morocco was the first country to recognise the newly independent United States in 1777, thus establishing the oldest diplomatic alliance in the United States.
Blinken also thanked Morocco for being one of the United States' "oldest and closest friends", and praised King Mohammed VI's role in "promoting regional stability, security and prosperity". In this regard, he cited Morocco's efforts to promote a peaceful and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians through the resumption of diplomatic relations with Israel as part of the historic agreement reached in December 2020 with the support of the United States. He also acknowledged Morocco's support for the UN-led political process to resolve the Western Sahara dispute, reaffirming the US commitment to Morocco's autonomy plan as a "serious, credible and realistic" solution.
The fruit of a Free Trade Agreement in place since 2006 and a strategic dialogue on a range of issues of common interest, Blinken reaffirmed his nation's commitment to strengthening its economic and security partnership with Morocco. Trade, investment, education, culture, energy and counter-terrorism are some of the areas in which the US Secretary of State mentioned that cooperation between the two nations is expected to continue to grow.
During a visit to Washington on 21 March by Nasser Bourita (Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Expatriate Moroccans), Secretary of State Blinken again commented on the King and his deep appreciation for promoting security and peace on the continent. "The Secretary expressed his appreciation for the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI and his longstanding contribution to promoting regional stability and peace, including his efforts to promote a secure and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians," the US State Department spokesman said after the talks between Blinken and Bourita.
Blinken expressed his desire to work with Morocco to "deepen our enduring friendship and advance our shared goals" in concluding his message. Blinken's message reflects the growing good relationship between the US and Morocco, especially after the US recognition in 2020 of Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces, a decision welcomed by King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people.
Americas Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra.