فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Benjamin Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Morocco, held a meeting with Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. This meeting reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, focusing on building a safer and more prosperous future for both Morocco and the United States.
Strengthening Deep Historical Ties
The meeting builds upon the oldest peace treaty between the United States and a foreign country—the Moroccan-American Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1786—which remains in effect today. This enduring shared history between Rabat and Washington forms a solid foundation for enhancing cooperation across various fields.
Shared Priorities in Security and Economy
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in several vital areas, notably security and counterterrorism, with Morocco considered a key partner for the U.S. in regional stability. Economic development support was also a major topic, especially regarding American investments exceeding five billion dollars in advanced sectors such as renewable energy and modern technology.
These discussions occur within the context of the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, followed by historic normalization agreements between Morocco and Israel. This marks a new diplomatic dynamism in the region despite existing regional challenges.
Meeting Background and Its Role in Enhancing Partnership
The U.S. Embassy in Rabat announced the meeting on its official platform, X (formerly Twitter), highlighting it as an opportunity to discuss strengthening the historic bilateral ties, particularly following Benjamin Ziff’s arrival in Morocco on August 28, 2025, as Chargé d’Affaires, succeeding previous diplomatic missions. This appointment comes at a time when Washington is focusing on Morocco as a vital gateway to Africa.
This meeting is part of a series of diplomatic engagements witnessed in Rabat, where Minister Bourita has met several U.S. officials in recent months, emphasizing Morocco’s importance as a strategic partner despite regional disputes such as the conflict with Algeria.
Details and Directions of the Discussion
The discussion centered on enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism, with Morocco actively participating in joint military exercises such as “African Lion” and receiving American military aid exceeding $500 million annually. Investment and trade opportunities were also examined, with bilateral trade reaching $6 billion in 2024, focusing on energy and technology sectors, and Morocco’s role as a platform for U.S. investment in Africa.
However, differing opinions emerged among experts, with some American analysts noting challenges in the partnership, especially concerning human rights in Western Sahara, while Moroccan officials emphasize the country’s progress in ongoing democratic and legislative reforms.
Renewed Historical and Diplomatic Relations
Moroccan-American relations date back to 1777, when Morocco first recognized the independence of the United States, followed by the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1786, the oldest American treaty still in force. This deep-rooted partnership has evolved into a strategic alliance, including the recent U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel, marking a significant chapter in regional politics.
Future Prospects and Implications
This meeting is expected to advance bilateral cooperation further, with anticipated reciprocal visits by American officials to strengthen existing agreements and sign new ones. Nonetheless, debates continue regarding balancing U.S. support for Morocco with international pressures on human rights issues.
In conclusion, the meeting reflects a mutual commitment to building a prosperous and stable future through enhanced diplomatic dialogue and partnership development tailored to current regional and international challenges.
