The March edition of the US State Department’s magazine delved into the bilateral relations between the US and Morocco in its “Post of the Month” article.
The feature article reflected on the long-established bilateral connections between the two nations, underscoring the US commitment to enhancing cooperation with Morocco across all spheres.
Emphasizing its geopolitical significance, the magazine underscored Morocco’s pivotal role as a gateway to both Africa and Europe.
“Given its proximity to neighbouring Spain, which lies just 8 miles north of Tangier across the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is a vital portal between Africa and Europe,” the magazine noted, highlighting the North African nation’s rich cultural diversity and traditions.
The State magazine also cited statements from diplomats, including the current US ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, who expressed the country’s robust cooperation and partnership with the US.
“Morocco is proud to stand with us… I think it’s critical that we devote time, energy, and attention to our friends and see how we can advance areas of mutual interest, as well as work with them on the challenges we face,” Talwar remarked.
David Fisher, Political Counsellor at the US embassy in Rabat, also weighed in on the bilateral ties between the two countries, noting the political stability prevalent in the North African nation.
“You won’t find any other country in Africa that’s as stable and as reliable an ally as Morocco,” Fisher asserted.
The US is among the nations that acknowledge Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Former US President Donald Trump signed the proclamation recognising Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in December 2020.
“It’s a real pleasure working here knowing that we’re contributing to furthering and continuing to build our alliance with one of America’s oldest friends, partners, and allies that dates back to the founding of our own nation,” Trump expressed.
The magazine article also underscored the significance of cooperation between the two countries in terms of security and counterterrorism.
Describing Morocco as one of the largest non-NATO allies to the US, the magazine highlighted that the North African country plays a “pivotal role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.”
This is evident in Morocco’s hosting of joint military exercises with American troops annually.
The military collaboration includes the African Lion, the largest military drill that Morocco has hosted for over 18 years.
“There are more than 100 U.S.-Moroccan military engagements over a year. African Lion just gets most of the attention because it’s the largest,” Fisher commented on this matter.
He described Morocco as a “real beacon of stability.”
