Celebrating 250 Years of Diplomatic Ties: Congress Affirms Longest U.S. Friendship with Morocco

This Congressional resolution is essentially a massive diplomatic birthday card from the U.S. House of Representatives to the Kingdom of Morocco. It officially recognizes and celebrates the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship the U.S. has with any country, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary in December 2027. The core message is simple: Morocco was the first country to recognize the newly independent United States back in 1777, and Congress is making sure everyone knows this relationship is still critical today.

The OG Ally: A 250-Year Friendship

Think of this bill as a history lesson wrapped in policy. It highlights that the U.S.-Morocco relationship goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War, noting that Sultan Sidi Muhammad Ben Abdullah opened Moroccan ports to American ships in 1777. This was formalized a decade later with the 1787 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which the resolution points out is still in effect. For anyone who thinks foreign policy is all about recent conflicts, this resolution is a reminder that some alliances are older than the Constitution itself. It also specifically mentions the Tangier American Legation, the first piece of U.S. diplomatic property overseas, which Morocco gifted to the U.S. in 1821.

More Than Just History: What It Means Today

While the history is great, this resolution isn't just about dusty treaties; it's about affirming current strategic and economic partnerships. Morocco is the only African nation that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S., a deal that started in 2006. For American farmers and businesses, this FTA means easier trade access, and the resolution specifically notes that agricultural trade has grown since the agreement began. This is the part that hits home for people in jobs tied to exports—this resolution signals that the U.S. intends to keep that economic door wide open.

Security and Stability in a Tough Neighborhood

The resolution also spends significant time praising Morocco’s role in modern security. It affirms close cooperation on counter-terrorism, military coordination (like the annual African Lion exercises), and efforts to stop the spread of nuclear materials. For the average person, this means Congress is officially recognizing Morocco as a key partner in maintaining global stability. They also commend Morocco for its role in recent regional diplomacy, including its involvement in the Abraham Accords and its history of promoting religious coexistence. In short, this resolution encourages the U.S. and Morocco to keep working closely on everything from trade and digital technology to security matters, recognizing that sharing opportunities and challenges is the best way forward. It’s a formal vote of confidence in a very old, very important relationship.