The United States Congress served as the backdrop for a prestigious gathering on January 6, 2026, to honor the enduring strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States.
This event, organized under the “Project Legacy Morocco” initiative, brought together over 200 high-profile guests, including senators, congressmen, senior military officials, and diplomats. The ceremony highlighted the unique status of the relationship, which remains the oldest uninterrupted diplomatic bond in American history, dating back to Morocco’s historic decision in 1777 to be the first nation to recognize the independence of the nascent American Republic.
During the evening, a bipartisan group of American lawmakers took to the stage to reaffirm the importance of this trans-Atlantic alliance. Republican Senator Tim Sheehy pointed out that Morocco provided crucial legitimacy to the United States during its struggle for international recognition. Similarly, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine noted that as the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, it is only fitting to celebrate its oldest partner. Kaine emphasized that the Rabat-Washington axis is not just a relic of history but a relationship that continues to grow in strategic importance amid modern global threats.
The depth of the partnership was further illustrated by the economic and military ties that set Morocco apart on the African continent. Representative Jimmy Panetta and Moroccan Ambassador Youssef Amrani both noted that the Kingdom remains the only African country to share a free trade agreement with the United States. Furthermore, Morocco was the first nation on the continent to launch large-scale joint military exercises with Washington, a collaboration that continues to serve as a cornerstone for regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
The evening concluded with remarks from the White House National Security Council, which characterized Morocco as a pillar of stability and moderation in an increasingly complex region. Rudolph Atallah, a senior director at the NSC, praised the forward-looking leadership of King Mohammed VI, noting that Morocco has consistently proven to be a reliable and professional ally. This relationship, according to officials, has transcended being a mere alliance of convenience to become a partnership built on a foundation of mutual trust, loyalty, and shared responsibility for global peace.
AK/ac/fss/abj/APA