Doha – Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, met with Timothy A. Lenderking, Senior Bureau Official for Near Eastern Affairs at the US Department of State, in Washington on Monday evening.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing regional challenges, reinforcing the centuries-long partnership between Rabat and Washington that began when Morocco became the first nation to recognize the United States’ independence in 1777.
“Productive bilateral meeting today between NEA SBO Lenderking and Moroccan Ambassador Amrani @youamrani. Recognizing our strong cooperation on regional issues and commitment to shared goals,” the US State Department posted on X.
This diplomatic engagement comes shortly after President Donald Trump’s appointment of Richard Duke Buchan III as the new US Ambassador to Morocco.
In making the announcement, Trump asserted that Buchan will “play a pivotal role as we strengthen Peace, Freedom, and Prosperity for both of our Countries.” Buchan brings substantial diplomatic experience, having previously served as US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2017 to 2021.
Earlier this month, US AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley cherished the military partnership during the delivery of AH-64 Apache helicopters to Morocco, stating, “African armies are watching you and taking examples from you,” while commending Morocco’s leadership in regional security.
Morocco was among the very first countries Washington reengaged with after Trump’s second return to the White House. Just one week after the conservative leader’s inauguration, Nasser Bourita held talks with newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
During their discussion, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to “advancing regional and global peace and security under King Mohammed VI’s leadership,” according to State Department records.
Morocco anticipates several key developments from the second Trump administration, particularly regarding the Western Sahara dispute. A primary expectation is that Trump will keep his 2020 promise to open a US consulate in Dakhla.
While the first Trump administration established a Virtual Presence Post for Western Sahara managed by the US embassy in Rabat, a physical consulate has yet to materialize.
The relationship carries significant economic implications, with the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement driving bilateral trade to $5.44 billion in 2018, quadrupling from $1.34 billion in 2006, according to US embassy data.
In his congratulatory call to Trump following the 2024 election, King Mohammed VI recalled the 2020 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, noting it reflected “the true depth of the special, longstanding relationship which holds the promise of even greater cooperation and a broader strategic partnership.”
The monarch also acknowledged “an array of increasingly complex regional and global challenges” that both nations face.
The Biden administration had maintained a steady middle ground on Western Sahara, neither further implementing nor reversing Trump’s recognition.
With Trump’s return to office, Morocco looks forward to potential advancement on several fronts, including increased US official visits to Western Sahara, as well as the territory’s inclusion in the African Lion military exercise, and the possibility of holding the US-Moroccan strategic dialogue in the region.
