Latest news with #US-Morocco
Morocco World
16-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, US Deepen Strategic Alliance with $825 Million Missile Deal
Rabat – Morocco and the US are moving to deepen ties further at all levels, including military cooperation. A statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Wednesday that the US State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Morocco valued at approximately $825 million. Morocco's purchase request includes 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles, in addition to contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services. RTX Corporation will serve as the principal contractor along with Lockheed Martin. 'There will be no adverse impact on U.S defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,' the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. The security cooperation agency announced that it delivered the required certification, notifying Congress of the possible sale, adding that this deal is aimed at supporting the foreign policy and national security to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally. The statement also described Morocco as an 'important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa,' adding that the North African country aims to use the defense articles to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing army's range of air defense options. 'This will contribute to the Moroccan Army's goals of updating capability and further enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allies,' the statement noted, adding that Rabat has no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. Bobby Dixon, a lieutenant commander who serves as a public affairs officer at the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently commended the military deal between the two countries, expressing satisfaction with the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries. 'Great to see this!! Morocco and the United States have a great relationship that goes back centuries!' he said in an official statement. Strategic timing The timing of the announcement reflects determination from the two countries to continue to boost cooperation at all levels. On April 8, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed this determination during a meeting with Morocco's Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita, who visited Washington last week. During his visit, Rubio and Bourita affirmed the strong US-Morocco partnership and its contribution to advancing peace and security. The two officials also discussed cooperation to further expand commercial cooperation and bilateral ties. The Secretary also reiterated the US fundamental and unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. Setting down Algeria's hostile aspirations against Morocco, the US said that the genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara. Morocco's military prowess In the past few decades, Morocco has been modernizing and upgrading its military equipment and infrastructure through several similar military deals with its international partners, mainly the US. The US maintained throughout the years its status as Morocco's largest arms supplier, providing it with 91% of its arms supply. In January, the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs compiled data showing that the US has been providing Morocco with security cooperation since the late 1950s. 'The United States has $8.545 billion in active government-to-government sales cases with Morocco under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS_ system),' the State Department quoted the data as saying. Morocco has received equipment worth $4478 million since 2013, including Abra tans, C-130H aircraft, as well as armored personnel carriers. This is in addition to the US Foreign Military Financing worth $135 million to Morocco since 2012. The latest delivery of US military equipment to Morocco took place in March, when the country received the first batch of AH64 Apache helicopters to the North African country. Several US military officials commended the US-Morocco military and security ties, stressing Morocco's 'obvious and undeniable' leadership in security in North Africa and the Sahel. 'African armies are watching you and taking examples from you, ' General Michael Langley, Commander of the US Africa Command (US AFRICOM), said of Morocco's military prowess. He said that Morocco is a 'reference in defense and stability,' expressing confidence that the partnership between the two countries will continue to grow and strengthen to contribute to the continent's stability and security. Aimee Cutrona, the Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Rabat, echoed the same remarks, noting that Rabat and Washington have a 'long history of partnership reaching back nearly 250 years when Morocco was the first to recognize U.S. independence.' She said that the two countries are enjoying 'steady and consistent growth of the longstanding U.S.-Morocco security cooperation that continues to advance our interest in the region and the world.' Langley and Cutrona's remarks were also echoed by Dixon, who expressed excitement with the upcoming Africa Lion, the largest military drill hosted by Morocco in 19 years. 'In the next few weeks, @usafricacommand AND @SETAF_Africa will be conducting AfricanLion alongside our Moroccan friends!' Dixon wrote on Tuesday. To upgrade its military further, Morocco allocated MAD 133 billion or nearly $13 billion for its defense budget this year, significantly up from $12 billion in 2024 and MAD 119 billion or $11.4 billion in 2023. In addition to safeguarding its regional borders, Morocco's military also contributes to world peace by mobilizing peacekeepers to help the UN missions across the globe. The State Department has described Morocco in January as among the top ten contributors to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, deploying 1,718 peacekeepers in different countries, including Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tags: AFRICOMrelations between the US and Morocco
Morocco World
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Trade, Security, and Sahara: Key Takeaways from US-Morocco Strong Ties
Rabat – The US has again proved Morocco's importance as a strong ally in the region, confirming the North African country's status as a regional power in terms of stability and security. This confirmation came in the form of a high-level meeting on Tuesday between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, who was the first FM from the Maghreb to be invited by the Trump administration to visit the country and meet with senior American officials. The visit came a few months after a call between Bourita and Rubio on January 27, during which both officials reaffirmed their two countries' determination to continue to boost bilateral ties. The call was followed by Tuesday's visit, which is the first for Bourita to the US since the inauguration of Trump's administration. The call was not only a trip where the two officials discussed bilateral ties, but it was followed by the Trump administration's strong-worded statement, reaffirming the country's unchanged position supporting Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. Standfast position despite external hostilities In a statement following the meeting between Bourita and Rubio, the US State Department renewed its unchanged position since the US proclamation recognizing Morocco's territorial integrity in December 2020. Morocco's Autonomy Plan under Moroccan sovereignty remains the only feasible solution to the Sahara dispute, it stressed. A source with knowledge on the specifics of the trip told Morocco World News (MWN) that it is significant the visit took place at a time 'when Algeria is multiplying its efforts to get closer to the Trump Administration,' covering defense, hydrocarbons, and agriculture. Algeria has been intensifying its lobbying attempts to undermine the growing US-Morocco cooperation, with data showing that the Algerian government spent a total of $2,184,308 on lobbying in the US from 2016 and 2020. Algeria's regime has hoped to reverse Trump's proclamation, especially after Democrats came to power under Joe Biden's presidency in the past few years. Although it took a balanced and more of a 'no change in our position' approach, the Biden administration ultimately upheld Washington's support for Morocco's territorial integrity, shutting down Algeria's hostile maneuvers against Morocco. Major security partner The US reaffirmation comes as the two countries frequently emphasize their determination to continue to boost bilateral ties at all levels, particularly trade and security. Morocco has been a major non-NATO ally since 2004. On several occasions and in international forums, US and NATO officials stress the importance of Morocco's credible partnership, contributing to world and regional security and stability. Earlier this month, NATO's Special Representative for the Southern Neighborhood, Javier Colomina, said Morocco has demonstrated a 'greater willingness to increase cooperation' with NATO compared to other regional countries. Colomina described Morocco as an outstanding active partner with whom NATO seeks to strengthen ties. In addition to the meeting with Rubio, Bourita also met with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The US has long seen Morocco as a strategic partner contributing to addressing security challenges. Last year, the US State Department described Morocco as a 'vital' S partner in a wide range of regional security issues, with a shared goal of a stable, secure, and prosperous Middle East and North Africa.' The North African country also participates in military drills and maneuvers along with international powers, including the US. Morocco has been hosting the annual 'African Lion' military exercise, the largest joint US military exercise in Africa, conducted under the US Africa Command since 2008, with participation from over 20 countries and NATO forces. In March, General Michael Langley, Commander of the US Africa Command (US AFRICOM), commended bilateral ties between the two countries, stressing African armies 'are watching' the North African country to take examples from its army. 'Morocco is a reference in defense and stability,' he said. He made his remarks at the official delivery of the first batch of AH-64 Apache helicopters to Morocco. The US has maintained its leadership as the largest exporter of arms to Morocco throughout the years, with 69% of the global imports, followed by France and Israel. Strong trade The two countries also share good trade ties. Morocco is the only African country with a Free Trade Agreement with the US. 'Since it entered into the market in 2006, trade exchanges have shown a fluctuating yet upward trend,' the source said. Bilateral trade between the two countries increased sixfold, reaching $7.2 billion in 2023, compared to $1.3 billion in 2006. In 2024, US goods exports to Morocco reached $5.3 billion in value, representing a 37.3% rise from the previous year, making Morocco the 64th largest export market for US goods. US imports from Morocco reached $1.9 billion, with a 12.3% increase from 2023.
Morocco World
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Bourita, US Security Advisor Cement Bilateral Cooperation in Washington
Doha – Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita spearheaded strategic talks with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in Washington on Tuesday. The high-stakes diplomatic visit propels the strategic alliance between the two countries forward. The talks between Bourita and Waltz focused on the multidimensional strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States, along with regional issues of mutual interest. The meeting precedes Bourita's scheduled talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later in the day. The diplomatic drive marks Bourita's first in-person engagement with senior US officials since Trump's January return to the White House. The timing crystallizes ahead of the UN Security Council's Western Sahara discussions set for April 14. The visit amplifies momentum from Bourita and Rubio's January 27 phone exchange. During that call, both diplomats stressed 'the importance of the strategic partnership between the two nations in service of regional and international peace and security.' Rubio has fortified his stance on Morocco's territorial sovereignty. During his January confirmation hearing, he proclaimed: 'If you look towards the west of Africa, there are real opportunities in progress, not only regarding counter-terrorism but also economic development.' He declared: 'To the north, in Morocco, we are seeing substantial advances, thanks to the Agreements.' Read also: Western Sahara: American Think Tank Calls on Trump to End UN Mission The Secretary of State doubled down on America's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara during his Senate hearing. This position galvanizes Trump's landmark 2020 proclamation backing Moroccan territorial integrity. This recognition was reinforced by the CIA's January update of its official map to show Western Sahara as an integral part of Morocco. The intelligence agency explicitly states on its website that 'in 2020, the US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over all of Western Sahara.' The US House of Representatives catapulted bilateral ties forward with Resolution 251. The measure charts the celebration of 250 years of unbroken US-Morocco diplomatic relations in 2027. Morocco commands recognition as America's first diplomatic ally, having acknowledged US independence in 1777. The US-Morocco partnership spans multiple sectors, propelling bilateral trade from $1.34 billion in 2006 to $5.44 billion in 2018 through the Free Trade Agreement. Morocco stands as the only African nation to secure such a trade pact with the United States, emerging as America's 46th largest export market in 2024. The partnership intensifies through comprehensive military cooperation. Joint African Lion exercises since 2007 anchor defense collaboration. Counter-terrorism initiatives mesh with nuclear nonproliferation efforts and operations to combat illicit arms trafficking. Both nations leverage their alliance to fortify regional security architecture and advance global peace initiatives under King Mohammed VI's leadership. Tags: Morocco US RelationsNasser Bourita
Morocco World
08-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Who is Richard Duke Buchan III, New US Ambassador to Morocco?
Rabat – US President Donald Trump announced last night the appointment of Richard Duke Buchan III as the new US Ambassador to Morocco, saying he will 'play a pivotal role as we strengthen Peace, Freedom, and Prosperity for both of our Countries.' A rich and varied career Born in 1963, Duke Buchan is known for his extensive work in both finance and diplomacy. He previously served as the US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, and made significant contributions in boosting trade and cultural exchanges. He studied economics and Spanish at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. After finishing his studies, Buchan built a successful career in global finance. He began his career at Merrill Lynch, where he gained expertise in global corporate finance and investment banking. He later worked at Maverick Capital, managing investments in banks and financial services. In 2001, he founded Hunter Global Investors, which grew to manage billions of dollars. His financial background has provided him with a deep understanding of global markets and economic trends. He later transitioned from finance to diplomacy and served as the US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2017 to 2021. In that role, he focused on boosting trade, resolving tax issues, and promoting cultural exchanges between the US and European countries. His efforts also included strengthening bilateral relations and supporting democratic values. After that he became the finance chair of the Republican National Committee, the primary committee of the Republican Party responsible for developing and promoting the republican brand. What's next in strong US-Morocco ties? Now, as he takes on his new role in Morocco, Duke is expected to use his financial know-how and diplomatic experience to strengthen US-Morocco ties and build on the strong partnership already in place. In December 2020, before leaving office, Trump's administration officially recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and reaffirmed its support for the country's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute. 'Morocco recognized the United States in 1777. It is thus fitting that we recognize their sovereignty over the Western Sahara,' Trump said, referencing strong historical ties between the two countries. King Mohammed VI described Trump's recognition as a 'historic decision' and a 'milestone' in Morocco-US relations. He emphasized that Morocco would be 'forever grateful' for this recognition. The Biden administration did not reverse Trump's decision but also did not actively implement it and instead maintained a middle ground. After Trump's re-election in late 2024, King Mohammed VI congratulated him and highlighted the importance of their bilateral relations. The monarch reaffirmed that Morocco remains a 'true friend and faithful ally' of the US and expressed a desire to further strengthen cooperation. With Trump returning to office, his administration is expected to further reaffirm its recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and potentially open a US consulate in the region and promote US investment in the southern provinces. This would further legitimize Morocco's position, which has been enjoying international momentum in recent years. Several countries worldwide have expressed support for the country's territorial integrity and autonomy plan, with many opening diplomatic representations in Morocco's southern regions. The latest notable addition is France, which announced last year its official backing of Morocco's autonomy plan as a legitimate and serious solution to the longstanding dispute. 'The present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,' said French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump's first administration made the US the first major country to unambiguously embrace Morocco's territorial integrity. But the Biden years saw a slight dip in American commitment to upholding Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. With Trump back in the White House, it remains to be seen whether his second administration will implement all the provisions of the December 2020 deal with Morocco, including the opening of an American consulate in the disputed Moroccan region. Tags: Donald Trump and MoroccoMorocco US RelationsUS Ambassador in Morocco
Morocco World
03-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Small Business Summit 2025 Boosts Moroccan-American Business Ties
Rabat – The Moroccan-American Network brought together entrepreneurs, officials, and business leaders for the ninth edition of the Small Business Summit 2025 in Alexandria, Virginia. The event aimed to strengthen economic ties between Morocco and the US while offering a platform for Moroccan entrepreneurs living in the US to expand their investments. Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins addressed attendees, recognizing the initiative led by the Moroccan-American Network and its subsidiary, Avactions audio visual. The Moroccan-American company, based in Alexandria, operates under the leadership of businessman Mohamed Hajjam. Its mission focuses on supporting and honoring small business owners. 'Small businesses drive our economy and keep our communities strong,' Mayor Gaskins said. 'This initiative reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement that make Alexandria a dynamic and prosperous city.' She noted that Avactions has spent more than two decades championing small business growth. The company has played a key role in helping entrepreneurs succeed and in building a network where business owners support each other. City Manager James Parajon also spoke at the event, underlining the depth of US-Morocco relations. He described them as a historic partnership spanning over two centuries. Parajon pointed to the event's role in fostering new opportunities for Moroccan and American business leaders to collaborate. He highlighted Alexandria's economic strength, with a gross domestic product exceeding $20 billion, and acknowledged the contributions of over 20,000 Moroccans who call the city home. 'Their presence forms an essential part of our economy,' he said. Hajjam, the CEO of Avactions audio visual, expressed gratitude for the recognition from the mayor. 'This honor means a great deal to me. At Avactions, we believe in the power of small businesses to transform communities and create opportunities for future generations,' he said. The Moroccan-American Network continues to promote business growth while leaving an imprint of Moroccan identity in the US. Alexandria officially recognized its activities, notably with the hosting of 'Morocco Day' and receipt of the symbolic 'Key to the City'. The network will hold another event on May 10, bringing Moroccan business leaders within the US and Morocco together under the banner, 'Rooted in Morocco, Thriving in America: Moroccan Success Stories.' Morocco and the US share a deep-rooted partnership that spans centuries, built on trade, diplomacy, and mutual economic growth. As one of America's oldest allies, Morocco continues to foster strong business connections, with expanding investments and a thriving exchange of goods and ideas.
