Renewed US-Morocco relations under Trump’s administration

President Donald Trump’s resurgence in the White House has revitalized US-Morocco relations, furthering the trajectory established by his historic recognition of Morocco’s territorial sovereignty in 2020.

In a significant diplomatic meeting on Monday evening in Washington, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, engaged with Timothy A. Lenderking, Senior Bureau Official for Near Eastern Affairs at the US Department of State. The discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation and addressing regional challenges, reinforcing a partnership that dates back to 1777, when Morocco became the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States.

The US State Department highlighted the meeting's success, stating, “Productive bilateral meeting today between NEA SBO Lenderking and Moroccan Ambassador Amrani @youamrani. Recognizing our strong cooperation on regional issues and commitment to shared goals.”

This diplomatic engagement follows Trump’s recent appointment of Richard Duke Buchan III as the new US Ambassador to Morocco. Trump emphasized Buchan’s pivotal role in enhancing peace and prosperity for both nations. Buchan, who previously served as US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position.

Earlier this month, General Michael Langley, Commander of US AFRICOM, praised the military partnership during the delivery of AH-64 Apache helicopters to Morocco. He remarked, “African armies are watching you and taking examples from you,” commending Morocco’s leadership in regional security.

Morocco was among the first nations re-engaged by Washington following Trump’s return to the presidency. Just a week after his inauguration, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both officials reaffirmed their dedication to advancing peace and security under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.

As Morocco anticipates developments from Trump’s second term, expectations are high regarding the Sahara dispute. A key hope is that Trump will fulfill his 2020 commitment to establish a US consulate in Dakhla. While the previous administration set up a Virtual Presence Post for Sahara, a physical consulate remains pending.

The economic implications of this relationship are significant, with the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement bolstering bilateral trade to 5.44billionin2018,asubstantialincreasefrom5.44 billion in 2018, a substantial increase from 5.44billionin2018,asubstantialincreasefrom1.34 billion in 2006.

In a congratulatory call to Trump following the 2024 election, King Mohammed VI recalled the 2020 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara, emphasizing the enduring strength of their partnership and the potential for enhanced cooperation amid complex regional and global challenges.

With Trump back in office, Morocco anticipates advancements on various fronts, including increased US official visits to Sahara, the territory's potential inclusion in the African Lion military exercise, and discussions regarding a US-Moroccan strategic dialogue in the region.