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Rabat – During a confirmation hearing held today for ambassador nominees, Richard Duke Buchan III put forth his commitment to facilitating negotiations toward a peaceful solution for the Western Sahara dispute.
In particular, the nominee to lead the US diplomatic mission in Rabat recalled his country’s unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. This is in line with Washington’s recent, repeated statements suggesting that the Moroccan autonomy initiative proposal remains the only viable basis for a just and lasting solution in Western Sahara.
Indeed, Buchan III recalled Secretary Marco Rubio’s April statement reiterating his country’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty and urging all parties to the dispute to engage in the UN-led political process without further delays.
“If confirmed, I will facilitate progress towards this goal,” he said, reiterating frequently the importance of the strategic ties between Morocco and the US at all levels.
“I’ve been traveling to Morocco for over 40 years. It’s a beautiful, fascinating, and strategic country,” he said.
Throughout his hearing address, Buchan cited the strategic relations linking his country to Morocco, with which Washington has shared a treaty of peace and friendship since 1786.
He recalled that the bilateral relationship between Morocco and the US has made Americans and Moroccans “safer, stronger, and more prosperous” for almost 240 years.
Safety and security as ‘highest priority’
The ambassadorial nominee also highlighted the importance of human connections between the two countries, describing Morocco as a destination for many Americans who travel to explore the country’s rich culture and beautiful landscape.
“If confirmed, my highest priority will be the safety and security of American citizens in Morocco, including our fantastic American and local team at the US Embassy in Rabat and the US Consulate in Casablanca,” he said.
In addition to the assets Morocco presents for the US, the nominee emphasized King Mohammed VI’s leadership, describing him as a “valued leader and a friend of the United States.”
Beyond the economic front, Buchan stressed the need to maintain and deepen cooperation between Morocco and the US at all levels, including security. He proposed Rabat has been a pillar of stability thanks to its strategic location that makes it critical to American national security. The hopeful ambassador notably recalled Morocco’s counterterrorism approach, which he stressed has made the country a strategic security partner for the international community.
Morocco has long been a key security ally, the nominee said, pointing to the country’s being the host of the African Lion, the largest military maneuver in Africa for almost two decades.
“If confirmed, I will work to strengthen our long-standing security relationship as we confront common challenges,” he said.
Buchan further described Morocco as a model economic partner, arguing that the US and Morocco have a robust trade relationship that has long been marked by a significant trade surplus.
In terms of trade, total goods trade between the US and Morocco was estimated at $7.2 billion in 2024, with American goods exports standing at $5.3 billion. This represented 37.3% compared to 2023.
Meanwhile, US goods imports from Morocco reached $1.9 billion in 2024, representing a 12.3% increase from 2023.
Buchan said that if confirmed, he would increase opportunities for US businesses throughout Morocco. As part of this push, he pledged, the US will notably strive to contribute to Morocco’s sectoral development in fields like agriculture and more.
President Donald Trump announced Buchan as his new ambassadorial nominee for the Morocco posting in March.
Buchan is known for his extensive services in both finance and diplomacy. He previously served as the US ambassador to Spain and Andorra.
