Meet The US’ New Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar

Rabat – Upon announcing Puneet Talwar as the new US ambassador to Morocco, the State Department again highlighted that the American-Moroccan partnership between the two countries is critical for regional peace and security.

With this remark, the department recalled the importance of Morocco as a pioneer in the security field through its contributions in countering terrorism and cross-border crime.

The two countries regularly exchange visits of senior officials and discussions on common concerns regarding political, security, and economic challenges.

Given its pioneering role in security cooperation, the US designated Morocco as a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2004. Both countries also carry out vast military training events, including the annual African Lion drills which Morocco has hosted for the last 18 years.

Talwar’s profile shows that the US’ new diplomat in Rabat could play a key role in further developing cooperation between the US-Morocco in terms of security.

Professional career

Nominated by Joe Biden in March, Talwar was confirmed as the new ambassador to Rabat today.

Having served in many leading positions in the US’ current and previous administrations, Talwar’s profile reveals a security-oriented diplomat with a great deal of experience.

In 2014, Talwar was appointed Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.

He managed several components of US foreign policy, including global security relations within the State Department.

In addition, Talwar served as the State Department’s principal Liaison with the Department of Defense and was also the Special Assistant to the President from 2009-2014.

Serving in the Middle East in several positions, the diplomat has decent knowledge about the tumultuous region. He served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Iraq, Iran, and the Gulf States at the White House National Security Council.

Talwar also served as the Chief Middle East Advisor to Vice President Biden on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1995-1999 and 2001-2008.

Talwar holds a bachelor of science degree in engineering from Cornell University. He also holds a master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University.

A native of Washington DC, Talwar has not only served in public administration but also has knowledge about the private sector, where he served as a leading member in several NGOs and universities.

Before joining Biden’s administration, the US diplomat worked at the Asia Society Policy Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as other places such as NGO InterMediate and Georgetown University.

Mission

The new US ambassador to Morocco is set to begin work after handing his credentials to Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. The envoy’s mission revolves around reinforcing relations between two countries that repeatedly express determination to see cooperation in all fields growing.

Morocco and the US share good diplomatic ties strengthened by the US’s position on Western Sahara. The US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region in December 2020.

Since then, officials from both countries have continued to tout cooperation in all fields, including security and trade.

Morocco is the only African country with a Free Trade Agreement with the US.

The two countries signed the FTA deal in 2004 but it became operational in 2006. Rabat and Washington frequently emphasize the importance of the agreement.

“The United States-Morocco FTA is a comprehensive agreement that supports the significant economic and political reforms that are underway in Morocco and provides for improved commercial opportunities for U.S. exports to Morocco by reducing and eliminating trade barriers,” according to a statement by the Office of the US Trade Representative.

The FTA between the two countries helped trade quintuple in volume, allowing more than 120 American companies to operate in the North African country.