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Rabat – Joey Hood, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs has extolled the partnership between Morocco and the US during his visit to Rabat.
Hood gave a press conference with Moroccan Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita following their meeting.
In the conference, Hood emphasized that both countries enjoy an “even stronger” partnership, recalling that Rabat and Washington are commemorating and celebrating 200 years of friendship.
“Of course, our bilateral relations are even older than that – dating back to U.S. independence, when Morocco was the first country to recognize the fledgling United States.”
The official also discussed US support for the UN-led political process to find a mutually acceptable solution, renewing that his country will continue to encourage parties to engage in talks.
Hood also renewed US support for UN efforts to appoint a new personal envoy of Secretary-General for Western Sahara as “soon as possible.”
The position has been vacant since May 2019 after Horst Kohler stepped down due to his health issues.
Hood also emphasized Morocco’s peace efforts in the region including its support for the UN political dossier related to Libya.
“We appreciate Morocco’s continuous support for the UN’s efforts in Libya, and its support for removing foreign forces from Libya and for preparation for successful nationwide elections there,” the official said, emphasizing the process as an “essential step towards a stable, unified, and democratic Libya.”
The appreciation for Morocco’s efforts from Hood echoes an earlier statement from Secretary of State Anton Blinken, who also commended Morocco’s role in the peace process on Libya.
Morocco hosted roundtables of talks, convening fractions from the High Council of Libya and House of Representatives, who repeatedly thanked Morocco for supporting their cause.
The visit is part of Hood’s diplomatic trip that he started earlier this week, with a visit to Algeria.
The US State Department had announced the visit during a press release held on July 24.
The statement said that the acting assistant secretary of state will hold talks with other Moroccan government officials, local business leaders, and civil society leaders.
In Morocco, the US official will also visit the American Legation Exhibit at the National Library of Rabat, which celebrates 200 years of ties between Morocco and the US.
“During my visit, I am excited to have a chance to go to the National Library to see our exhibition about the Legation bicentennial and the deep, historical ties between our two countries,” the official said.
Hood’s official visit comes at a time when both Morocco and the US have vowed to boost ties and cooperation at all levels.
The US official reminded the gathered press that Morocco is a “close partner” in other security issues, recalling the country’s participation in major military engagements, including the African Lion military maneuver.
“Last year, we signed a ten-year Roadmap for Defense cooperation, a symbol of our long-term and strategic cooperation,” Hood said.
The US top official also recalled Morocco-US strategic ties in other fields, including trade.
“Morocco is the only country in Africa with which we have a Free Trade Agreement, and we and our companies see Morocco as a gateway to the continent. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the FTA taking effect.”
Hood said that the countries have benefited “greatly, through the creation of thousands of jobs and a five-fold increase in the volume of trade – to $5 billion annually. Over 150 American companies operate here.”
Hood’s remarks are an example of the US’ determination to grow cooperation between both countries.
Today’s meeting follows another in May between Morocco’s FM Bourita and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Bourita and Blinken held talks in Rome during the Ministerial Meeting of the Anti-Daesh Global Coalition.
Blinken repeatedly commended Morocco’s pioneering role in promoting regional peace.
The state department also lauded Morocco’s peace efforts in the Libyan dossier.
In addition to Morocco and Algeria, Hood is also scheduled to visit Kuwait, where he will join the Secretary of State Binken during his visit to the Middle East.
