Moroccan, US diplomacies highlight strength of bilateral ties

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held phone calls with US Secretary of State Antony Blenken during which they both highlighted the depth of the two countries’ longstanding strategic ties and willingness to further bolster their partnership.

The personal ties between King Mohammed VI and President Biden will give an additional boost to a special partnership based on shared values and interests as well as a strong will to act in favor of regional peace and stability, Morocco’s national news agency MAP reported.

Blenken commended the reforms spearheaded by King Mohammed VI and in addressing challenges relating to climate change as well as his leadership in promoting renewable energies and the green economy.

“The Secretary and the Minister (Bourita) discussed King Mohammed VI’s far-reaching reforms over the past two decades, and the Secretary encouraged Morocco to continue implementing these reforms,” the US State Department said in a statement.

Blinken commended the King’s “leadership” in combating climate change and investing in renewable energy and encouraged Morocco to “help promote green economic growth and development in Africa.”

 

The two parties discussed “opportunities to increase cooperation in Africa to promote economic prosperity and stability and the Secretary highlighted Morocco’s key role in fostering stability in the Sahel and Libya.”

 

The two ministers also raised a set of regional issues of common interests, and discussed “opportunities to increase cooperation in Africa to promote economic prosperity and stability and the Secretary highlighted Morocco’s key role in fostering stability in the Sahel and Libya,” the State Department said. In this respect, Blenken lauded Morocco for its role in achieving stability in a region beset by tension.

Blenken also welcomed the resumption of ties between Morocco and Israel following a deal under which the US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Blenken said that relations with Israel will be beneficial in the long run and stressed the leading role Morocco plays in order to reach lasting peace in the Middle East.

The two officials also pointed out to the celebration of the 100th anniversary this year of the US legation in Tangier which was commissioned by Sultan Moulay Sliman as a symbol of a time-honored US-Moroccan strategic partnership