US Congress Honors Historic Morocco Partnership at Rare Capitol Gala

The United States Congress hosted a gala Tuesday evening celebrating the strategic partnership between Morocco and America,rooted in Washington’s oldest continuous diplomatic bond worldwide. The Kennedy Caucus Room,a rare venue for foreign partner tributes,adopted distinctly Moroccan tones as senior political figures gathered to honor the relationship.

Organized through Project Legacy Morocco initiative,the event assembled over 200 guests including members of the Senate and House of Representatives,senior military officials,diplomats,and Moroccan-American community representatives. Attendance levels reflected broad bipartisan consensus on Morocco’s Washington standing and the Rabat-Washington partnership depth.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers spoke of enduring friendship between both countries,tracing origins to Morocco’s historic 1777 decision becoming the first nation recognizing United States independence. Republican Senator Tim Sheehy recalled that when the young American republic struggled asserting itself internationally,Morocco numbered among few states recognizing its legitimacy and offering support. “In an era of uncertainty—whether fighting terrorism or confronting new threats—it’s more important than ever to invest in our alliances and remain firm in these relationships,” he stated.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine stressed the strategic importance of the Rabat-Washington axis,noting that as America approaches its independence 250th anniversary,honoring relations with “our oldest diplomatic partner” carries equal meaning. The relationship remains “very important to the United States and will only grow in importance,” added Kaine,a former Virginia governor.

Morocco’s ambassador to Washington,Youssef Amrani,emphasized that nearly 250 years of diplomatic relations aren’t improvised but built,strengthened,and preserved through unwavering commitment and friendship that never hesitated. He described Morocco’s US partnership as natural extension of strategic choices shaped over generations from King Mohammed VI to predecessors including late King Hassan II and Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah.

The relationship formalized through the 1786 Treaty of Peace and Friendship remains the oldest unbroken treaty in US history,with Morocco standing as the sole African country having a free trade agreement with Washington.