US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Monday, focusing on the strong partnership between the United States and Morocco under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, according to a US State Department readout.
The conversation focused on collaboration to advanced regional and global peace and security and covered a number of key topics, including the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the release of hostages, and Morocco’s role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Both officials committed to intensifying cooperation to address shared regional challenges, including building upon the Abraham Accords to foster peace and stability.
The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of expanding trade, investment, and commercial ties to strengthen economic relations between the two nations.
Secretary Rubio began his series of diplomatic talks last week after having been sworn in as the 72nd US Secretary of State on January 21. On Wednesday, he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On Thursday, he engaged with Qatar’s Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani and the UAE’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This Friday, Rubio is scheduled to speak with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty, continuing his focus on regional diplomacy.
During his January 15 Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. He applauded Morocco’s progress and noted its strategic importance as a key U.S. ally, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and economic development.