The U.S. Congress on Tuesday evening celebrated the strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States, highlighting one of Washington’s oldest and deepest diplomatic relationships with any foreign nation.
For one evening, Congress—often described as the heart of American democracy and a key arena for global decision-making—turned its focus to Morocco, as members of the U.S. political elite gathered in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room for a rare tribute to a foreign partner.
Organized under the banner of the “Project Legacy Morocco” initiative, the event brought together more than 200 guests, including senators, members of Congress from both parties, senior military officials, diplomats, and representatives of the Moroccan community across the United States. The broad and bipartisan participation reflected what organizers described as strong and unified support for Morocco among American policymakers.
Speakers repeatedly underlined the depth of the Rabat–Washington relationship, which dates back to 1777, when Morocco became the first country to recognize the independence of the United States. Republican Senator Tim Sheehy recalled that at a moment when the young American nation was seeking international legitimacy, Morocco stood among the few states that supported and recognized it. He argued that, in an era marked by terrorism and emerging global threats, investing in long-standing alliances has become more critical than ever.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, meanwhile, stressed the strategic importance of the Morocco–U.S. axis, particularly as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence. He described Morocco as America’s “oldest diplomatic partner,” adding that the relationship remains vital to U.S. interests and is expected to grow in importance in the years ahead.
Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta echoed these remarks, noting that nearly 250 years later, Morocco remains one of America’s most enduring allies. He highlighted the strength of bilateral ties across diplomatic, military, and economic fields, pointing out that Morocco is the only African country to have concluded a free trade agreement with the United States.
Addressing the gathering, Morocco’s ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, emphasized that the partnership’s achievements and future prospects are rooted in the vision and choices of King Mohammed VI. He said the two countries can today celebrate not only a rich historical legacy, but also ambitious prospects for a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.
Ambassador Amrani noted that nearly two and a half centuries of diplomatic relations are the product of sustained effort and unwavering commitment, shaped by successive Moroccan leaders from Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, who laid the foundations of the relationship, to King Hassan II and King Mohammed VI. He added that Morocco and the United States share a deep mutual understanding that allows for continuous dialogue beyond short-term interests or changing circumstances.
According to the ambassador, this level of trust has enabled advanced convergence on major strategic issues, citing U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces as a clear illustration of the strength and maturity of the bilateral partnership.
