Washington — During the 2026 celebration of the Moroccan Throne Day, marking the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a formal message of congratulations to the Moroccan monarch. The diplomatic gesture underscored the enduring strength of a bilateral relationship that has flourished for nearly 250 years.
In his statement, Rubio emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, rooted in shared democratic values and a mutual dedication to advancing peace, security, and economic progress across the region. «The United States and Morocco share one of the oldest alliances in American history,» he noted, «a partnership built on trust, resilience, and a vision for a prosperous future.»
Rubio’s remarks, released by the U.S. Department of State, conveyed warm greetings to King Mohammed VI and the people of Morocco, celebrating the milestone of his reign. He also highlighted Washington’s commitment to deepening collaboration across multiple sectors in the coming years, reaffirming that «joint efforts will continue to foster regional stability and inclusive economic growth for the benefit of both our nations.»
Strategic autonomy plan for Western Sahara
Addressing a key point of contention, Rubio reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara. «Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. position remains clear: we recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory and endorse its serious, credible, and realistic autonomy initiative as the sole foundation for a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution,» he stated.
He dismissed alternative approaches as counterproductive, warning that they would only perpetuate the status quo. «A genuine autonomy framework under Moroccan sovereignty offers this region—and indeed the entire continent—the opportunity to move forward after decades of stagnation,» Rubio asserted. His comments reflected a firm belief in the plan’s potential to unlock economic and developmental progress in the area.
Morocco’s regional leadership under scrutiny
The U.S. diplomat also praised Morocco’s pivotal role in advancing regional stability, particularly through its instrumental involvement in brokering the Abraham Accords. «Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco stands as a cornerstone of security in North Africa and the Sahel,» Rubio remarked. «This partnership is vital, and the United States is eager to expand cooperation to enhance security across the Sahel region.»
The Secretary of State underscored the importance of economic growth as a catalyst for shared prosperity. «Your Majesty’s vision for economic development will bring renewed opportunity to both our peoples,» he noted. «President Trump has directed his administration to prioritize economic and social progress with Morocco, including within the Moroccan Sahara.»
A forward-looking partnership
Looking ahead to the next 250 years of U.S.-Morocco relations, Rubio outlined Washington’s long-term priorities. «As we embark on this journey together, the United States will remain a steadfast ally in critical domains such as energy security, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and defense,» he concluded. «Our shared commitment to innovation and stability will shape the future of this alliance.»
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