President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, highlighted Morocco’s strategic importance as a US ally during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
Rubio underscored Morocco’s advancements in counterterrorism and economic cooperation, noting its role in advancing US interests. “In the north, Morocco stands out for its substantial improvements, bolstered by the Abraham Accords and an evolving partnership with the United States,” he said.
Morocco’s partnership with the US reached new heights in 2020 when Washington recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, further cementing their long-standing alliance.
The two countries have enjoyed strengthened economic ties since signing a free-trade agreement (FTA) in 2006. The agreement has significantly increased bilateral trade, with Moroccan exports to the US rising from USD 446 million in 2005 to USD 1.6 billion in 2019.
The FTA has also fostered foreign direct investment by improving Morocco’s business environment and establishing legal guarantees for investors.