Rabat – King Mohammed VI has reiterated Morocco’s determination to boost bilateral cooperation with the US, arguing that the two countries have long shown their firm commitment to strengthening their multisectorial relationship and working toward strengthening international security and stability.
The monarch made his remarks in a cable of congratulations to Joe Biden on Tuesday, July 4, marking the US Independence Day anniversary.
“I take this glorious occasion to express to you my deep satisfaction with the steady steps taken by relations of friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” the King said, noting that bilateral ties between Rabat and Washington are “rooted in history and based on a strong multidimensional strategic partnership and strong human ties.”
King Mohammed VI also reassured the US President of his keenness to work together to further strengthen these “distinguished relations in various fields,” stressing both countries’ willingness to continue deepening the approach of coordination and consultation on various regional and international issues of common concern.
Morocco was the first country in the world that recognized the US independence in December 1777. France, which is often presented as the first country to recognize the US independence, actually did so two months after Morocco, in February 1778.
Morocco and the US share good diplomatic ties strengthened through cooperation in different sectors, most notably security and trade.
Trade cooperation between the two countries is based on a Free Trade Agreement the two countries signed in 2004.
Since taking effect in 2006, the US-Morocco FTA has sought to improve commercial opportunities for US exports to Morocco by reducing and eliminating trade barriers.
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According to data from the US Trade Representative Office, US goods and services trade with Morocco totaled an estimated $6.6 billion in 2019.
Exports were $4.3 billion, while imports were $2.3 billion, and the US’ goods and services trade surplus with Morocco was $1.9 billion in the same year, the data added.
Security cooperation is also an important part of the constantly evolving and improving Morocco-US bilateral ties.
The US has repeatedly expressed satisfaction with security cooperation between the two countries, notably including in the fight against terrorism.
Rabat and Washington have a long “history of strong” counterterrorism cooperation, the US State Department said in its latest annual Country Terrorism report, stressing the “vigilant” security approach adopted by the North African country to tackle terror threats.
“The Government of Morocco continued its comprehensive strategy that includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies,” the report emphasized.
