Last week’s exchange between the leaders of Morocco and the U.S. reaffirmed security and economic ties that are essential to regional stability and America’s critical mineral supply.
“Your vision for economic growth opens new prospects for prosperity for both our peoples, and economies” U.S. President Trump told the King of Morrocco in a message sent for July 30 Throne Day, which marks the ascension of Moroccan King Mohammed VI to the throne in 1999.
America recognizes Morocco as a valuable economic partner in the production of food and energy, due to the African country’s reserves of critical minerals and its potential to provide fossil fuels.
Morocco contains 70% of the world’s known phosphate reserves, making it essential to production of fertilizer. The phosphates, as well as large reserves of copper, cobalt, nickel, iron, and lithium, mean Morocco can provide the key ingredients for making the lithium-ion batteries used by electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, there is growing interest in exploration for Morocco’s offshore deposits of natural gas and oil.
The U.S. strengthened its partnership with Morocco through a Feb. 4 Memorandum of Understanding on exploration and extraction of critical minerals. The agreement is part of the U.S. campaign to strengthen critical mineral supply lines in the face of competition with China.
Security cooperation
Cooperation for peace and stability was a prime topic in U.S. messages to the King of Morocco. President Trump noted America’s commitment to achieving peace through Morocco’s UN-backed Western Sahara Autonomy Proposal, a message reiterated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Western Sahara’s “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty provides this region and the continent with the chance to finally move forward after 50 years,” said a statement from Rubio. “Any other path prolongs the status quo and is unacceptable.”
Along with addressing Western Sahara, security cooperation between the two countries includes collaboration for peace in the Mideast, through the Abraham Accords, and in the sub-Saharan Sahel region.
Morocco’s alliance with the U.S. has a long history.
“For nearly 250 years, the United States and Morocco have shared the longest friendship in American history,” said the statement from Secretary Rubio. “This is a strong and enduring partnership built on shared values and a common commitment to peace, security, and prosperity.”
An Aug. 1 statement from The Royal Office of the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighted the two countries’ long friendship.
“In 1777, Morocco became the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States, establishing one of America’s longest-standing diplomatic relationships,” said the statement from Morocco. “As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the exchange of messages between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Trump reflects that enduring partnership.”
