Aziz Mekouar Moroccan Ambassador to the USA

Morocco’s close relationship with the United States has been an enduring feature of both countries’ history, since the merchant ships of the young republic first needed a safe haven from the Barbary pirates in the 1700’s. In the 21st century, free trade is making economic ties between Morocco and the U.S. even stronger, while Morocco’s unwavering support of American efforts to combat violent extremism, along with U.S. support for Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara, are further evidence that the two countries share values and interests.

President George Bush and King Mohammed VI signed the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement in 2004. After coming into effect on January 1, 2006, the effects of open markets and lowered trade barriers became immediately apparent: trade shot up 44% in the first year to reach $1.396 billion, and went even higher to hit $1.952 billion in 2007. U.S. Assistant Trade Representative Shaun Donnelly expressed his satisfaction at the quick success of the agreement, coming after only two years of free trade: “Now, we can say that the results are optimistic.”

Business leaders in both countries see room for improvement in the trade relationship, and even greater potential in the years ahead. In March 2008, at the first meeting between Moroccan and American representatives that sit on the bilateral joint committee on free trade, External Trade Minister Abdellatif Maâzouz highlighted the textile, agricultural, and services sectors as key industries that “deserve much attention and have a valuable potential”. New transportation links will help Moroccan products reach the U.S. more swiftly and cheaply than ever before. An ambitious $3.7 billion project will build over 900 miles of highways by 2010, and the newly opened TangerMed container port will expand to handle 8.5 million cargo containers per year by 2015.

Morocco’s security ties with the U.S. date back to the earliest days of American independence, and it is one of only fourteen countries designated as a major non-NATO ally. Moroccan Ambassador Aziz Mekouar emphasized that both countries face a common threat: “The terrorist attacks in Casablanca in 2003 were widely rejected by Moroccans. Following the bombings, a million of our citizens marched against terrorism.” The attacks led to increased cooperation between Moroccan and U.S. authorities, and ordinary Casablancans cheered King Mohammed VI when he toured the blast sites to condemn the attacks.

President Bush has commended Morocco on its efforts against terrorism

The U.S. supports Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, the Western Sahara area that has long been burdened by a conflict that has hampered economic growth and international cooperation in the region. American backing for Morocco’s offer of greater autonomy for Western Sahara has raised hopes that Moroccans can put this conflict behind them. U.S. Ambassador Thomas Riley believes that “this proposal as a realistic starting point that could lead toward resolution of the dispute.”

American aid has been an important boost for efforts to fight poverty by increasing economic growth. The U.S. government Millennium Challenge Corporation agreed in 2007 to provide $697.5 million in assistance over a five-year period. The program will help reduce poverty by promoting employment in agriculture, fisheries, and artisanal crafts. Beyond direct aid, the two governments have engaged in cultural and educational exchange programs since 1967. “Every year, we finance the travel of hundreds of Moroccans to the U.S., and Americans to Morocco, to participate in a wide variety of educational and cultural exchange programs” says Ambassador Riley.