The 250th anniversary of the historic friendship and alliance between Morocco and the United States was celebrated on Friday at the prestigious Trump Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., during a magnificent evening featuring high-profile guests, inspiring cultural performances, and refined cuisine.
This vibrant event, organized at the initiative of the Moroccan Embassy in Washington, brought together distinguished guests, including several senior officials from the U.S. administration, reflecting an alliance that shines through its longevity, strategic importance, and a strong sense of transatlantic fraternity.
This celebration, marked by the presence of President Donald Trump’s Special Assistant and Senior Director for the Middle East and Africa at the National Security Council (NSC), Wayne Wall, and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, Bryan J. Ellis, reaffirmed the unique and enduring nature of Moroccan-American relations, which continue to be expressed through lasting exchanges, joint initiatives, and a shared vision for the future.
The celebration of two and a half centuries of the Moroccan-American alliance, which has stood the test of time and continues to shape the future, thus marked a significant moment of recognition and reflection on an exceptional historical relationship, built over time and nurtured by dialogue, shared history, and mutual respect.
This event also marked the launch of a special program planned throughout 2026 at the Trump Kennedy Center to commemorate in grand style the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.
Speaking on this occasion, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, emphasized that the special relationship between Rabat and Washington dates back to 1777, when the Kingdom became the first nation in the world to recognize the independence of the young American Republic.
He recalled that the treaty of peace and friendship signed with Morocco in 1786 remains the oldest uninterrupted treaty concluded by the United States of America with its global partners. This reality, according to the ambassador, transcends mere statistics, as it reflects the deep roots of a unique relationship.
“Morocco and the United States are two nations that understand each other profoundly, constantly choosing to link their destinies through an active alliance that, in its wake, brings measurable progress, tangible development, lasting peace, and security for all,” Amrani explained.
In short, it is a relationship that stands in contrast to the uncertainties of the world, offering a rare diplomatic attribute: “strategic clarity and long-term visibility, sustained year after year by a unique trust between Rabat and Washington, all combined with unparalleled commitment between the two nations,” he underlined.
This historical legacy is complemented by an affinity of values and vision, further strengthened by the fact that “our alliance thrives thanks to a shared commitment at the highest level by HM King Mohammed VI and President Donald Trump, giving impetus and meaning to the trajectories of our common destiny,” the diplomat affirmed.
He further emphasized that Morocco and the United States are “partners for action” and that their relationship “is never limited to intentions; it thrives on continuous engagement and dialogue, and it shines through its power to act on the realities of yesterday to build those of tomorrow.”
Youssef Amrani thus reiterated that the United States’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara “demonstrates both the unflinching sincerity that binds our two countries and an unparalleled ability to advance the only peace frameworks that are truly worthwhile.”
“We are working closely with our American partners on countless issues of paramount importance, which are among the priorities of Morocco, the United States, and the world as a whole,” he continued.
In this regard, the diplomat emphasized “the profound meaning and particular symbolism” of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s acceptance to join, as a Founding Member, the Peace Council, created at the initiative of President Donald Trump with the aim of contributing to peace efforts in the Middle East and adopting a new approach to resolving conflicts worldwide.
Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has consolidated, earned, and strengthened broad international confidence in its position as a reliable partner, a credible interlocutor, and an active player for peace and future-oriented solutions, he stressed.
“Nothing limits the possibilities of our relationship with the United States, and these past 250 years are merely the prelude to an undoubtedly even more promising and ambitious future in terms of achievement, convergence, and partnership success for our strategic alliance,” the Ambassador stated further.
For his part, Elliot Berke, Legal Counsel at the Trump Kennedy Center, highlighted the historical ties between the United States and Morocco that he described as “one of America’s oldest and closest allies.”
He thus underscored the importance and symbolism of this event, which kicks off a year of celebrations at the Trump Kennedy Center commemorating the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.
