Rabat – Three US congresspeople have joined a growing chorus of congressional members to have expressed support for growing diplomatic ties between the US and Morocco.
The congressional delegation, including Congressmen Adriano Espaillat and Salud Carbajal, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, held meetings today in Rabat with senior Moroccan officials, including Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat with Morocco’s FM Nasser Bourita
At a press conference following the meetings, the three congresspeople reiterated the US’ determination to continue boosting diplomatic ties and cooperation with Morocco at different levels – including economy, military, and security, among others.
Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th district, emphasized Morocco’s reforms and development – particularly women’s empowerment.
“We recognize your leadership in the region,” he said, recalling Morocco’s decision to sign the US-brokerd Abraham Accords.
The US congressman also extolled cooperation between the two countries, applauding Morocco’s contribution to peace in the Middle East.
“We also want to applaud the measures you are taking to advance the country and to advance” social reforms, Espaillat explained, stressing that the US sees Morocco as a “strong” partner and a “leader” in the MENA region.
He also welcomed Morocco’s policy of female empowerment, stressing the importance of including women at all levels of national decision-making.
“Without having women move forward, the country cannot move forward. When you give a dollar to a woman, it goes further out, it helps children, it helps education… We must empower women in the world so the countries can move forward, and you are doing that,” he said.
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For her part, Garcia – who represents Texas’ 29th congressional district, said that the delegation visiting Morocco was “super impressed.”
Describing Morocco greener than Houston, Garcia stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries and cultural diversification in the North African kingdom.
“We are finding a lot of shared values and shared visions,” she said, stressing the importance of Morocco’s cultural diversity and the country’s stability in the region.
“You become the model to the region for an economy that is stable, that is safe, secure and resilient,” she said, emphasizing America’s determination to continue to boost bilateral ties.
Carbajal, who represents California’s 24th congressional district, joined Garcia and Espaillat to commend Morocco’s reforms and development.
Congress delegation in Morocco
“Morocco is a beautiful country,” he said, describing his visit and meetings as “privilege” and stressed the importance of having the two countries grow their cooperation militarily, security, trade, and economically.
Morocco and the US hold strong diplomatic ties that he has been developing for decades – particularly following the US’ December 2020 decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region.
The US government also endorses Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a credible and serious basis to end the dispute over Western Sahara.
In addition to military and security cooperation, the two countries also share a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force in 2006.
Since the FTA’s entry into force, the US goods trade surplus rose to $1.8 billion in 2011 compared to $79 million in 2005.
