The United States Congress commemorates 250 years of friendship with Morocco: A historical and strategic alliance
The United States has ratified, once again, the excellent relations it has with Morocco, through the issuing of a resolution, approved by members of the Republican and Democratic Parties, to commemorate almost 250 years of friendship with the North African country, which date back to the signing of the Peace and Friendship Treaties on 18 July 1787.
This act is considered a milestone in the history of both nations, as it consolidated Morocco's position as the first nation to recognise the independence of the United States, thus laying the foundations for what are the longest-standing relations in the history of the most powerful country in the world.
It also reflects how a relationship forged in the 18th century is still relevant in all areas. A notable aspect in the history of bilateral relations is the recognition by the United States in 2020 of the Moroccan character of Western Sahara under the 2007 Moroccan Autonomy Plan, which many American diplomats have described as ‘the only serious, credible and realistic plan’.
A historic text
The resolution to honour almost 250 years of friendship was promoted by Joe Wilson, Republican congressman representing the second congressional district of South Carolina, and Bradley Schneider, a Democratic congressman representing the tenth congressional district of Illinois. It highlights the breadth of relations in all areas: social, geopolitical, cultural and economic.
The text begins by emphasising Mohammed VI's leadership in achieving stability in all areas of Morocco; the search for peace, both nationally, regionally and continentally; and inter-religious dialogue, highlighting the historic relationship of the Alaouite state with the Jewish community through the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, by which Rabat and Tel Aviv normalised their relations in a gesture that coexistence and understanding between Muslims and Jews is possible.
One example is the Slat Alfassiyine Synagogue, in the Moroccan city of Fez, the oldest in the Maghreb, which was restored under the reign of Mohammed VI.
The event will take place on 1 December 2027, the day on which the relationship celebrates its 250th anniversary. The resolution not only reviewed the history between the two countries, but also projected a hopeful future for Morocco and the United States through ‘a strategic partnership’.
Economy, security and cultural diversity
In addition to being social, political and cultural allies, Morocco and the United States are strong economic allies, as highlighted by the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that both countries have had since 2006, the only one of its kind between Washington and any other African country.
In fact, since the approval of the FTA, Moroccan agricultural exports to the United States have tripled, and exports from the United States to Morocco have doubled. For example, exports increased by 40% between 2021 and 2023, reaching 1.37 billion, of which 900 million were related to agricultural trade.
Rabat and Washington are also great allies against terrorism with the achievement of joint military manoeuvres in the country of the Alawites, African Lion, which have been held since 2007 and in which the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) participate.
In addition, the Americans and Moroccans collaborate on the non-proliferation of new nuclear powers, arms trafficking and the coordination of military and humanitarian efforts.
The text presented to the US House of Representatives also welcomed Morocco's drive and investment in cultural diversity that advocates cooperation between people of different cultures based on respect, trust, cooperation and understanding.
US Congressional Resolution 251
The following is the full text of US Congressional Resolution 251, introduced in the House of Representatives to commemorate 250 years of relations between Morocco and the United States: