Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita began a strategic visit to Washington on Tuesday, marked by high-level talks with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, consolidating the Rabat-Washington alliance at a key diplomatic moment.
During this diplomatic tour, marking the Moroccan Foreign Minister’s first face-to-face meetings with senior U.S. officials since Trump’s return to power in January, discussions focused on strengthening the multidimensional strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States, as well as major regional issues of mutual interest. This meeting comes just hours before a second important meeting: a planned meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, scheduled for later
in the day.
This is Bourita’s first official trip to the United States since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January. This diplomatic initiative comes on the eve of a sensitive deadline: the United Nations Security Council discussions on the Sahara issue, expected on April 14. This trip follows a telephone conversation between Bourita and Rubio on January 27. On that occasion, the two officials reaffirmed “the importance of the strategic partnership between the two nations in the service of regional and international peace and security.”
The US position on the Western Sahara enclave appears to be consolidating under the current administration. At his confirmation hearing in January, Marco Rubio praised the “substantial progress in the north, in Morocco, thanks to the Accords” and emphasised that “real opportunities for progress” lay ahead for West Africa, particularly in the fight against terrorism and economic development.
During the same Senate hearing, Rubio reiterated Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, thus reaffirming the historic declaration made in 2020 by President Trump. This position was confirmed by the CIA last January, updating its official
map to refer to the enclave as an integral part of Moroccan territory.
The agency explicitly states on its website: “In 2020, the United States recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the entire Sahara.”
On the bilateral level, relations between Rabat and Washington are part of a process of consolidation. The U.S. House of Representatives adopted Resolution 251, recognizing 250 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations with Morocco, to be celebrated in 2027. The Cherifian kingdom was indeed the first country to recognize the independence of the United States, back in 1777.
Militarily, cooperation is reflected in the African Lion joint exercises, organized annually since 2007.
This foundation of defense cooperation is complemented by joint efforts in the fight against
terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, and the dismantling of arms trafficking networks.
The two countries rely on this strengthened alliance to promote a regional security architecture and support global peace initiatives, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
MK/Sf/ac/fss/as/APA