Rabat: US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East and North African Affairs David Schenker, who is currently visiting Lavon in the Western Sahara region, today, Saturday, praised the excellent relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco, saying they were “stronger than ever”. The Maghreb Arab News Agency reported.
Speaking at the ceremony to launch the education center through sports, the US official added: “This is a defining moment in Moroccan-US relations … these relations have become stronger than ever.”
Schenger at the opening of a new basketball center run by TIBU in Lao. TIBU relies on basketball to reach Moroccan youth, including those with disadvantaged backgrounds or disabilities. We are very pleased to contribute to facilitating #TIBU’s access to the southern regions. pic.twitter.com/4nN11y3bGa
– US Embassy in Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) January 9, 2021
In this regard, Schenker noted the historic announcement last month that the United States recognized the full sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco throughout the Moroccan Sahara and opened an embassy in Takla.
The U.S. official pointed out that 200 years have passed since the United States opened a diplomatic mission in Morocco by 2021, recalling that Tangiers is the world’s oldest diplomatic headquarters.
The US Assistant Secretary of State confirmed that the strong partnership with the NGO (Depot – Morocco), which is active in promoting youth education, social integration and human development through basketball, is only part of the US commitment to the interests of Moroccan youth and the deep friendship between the two countries.
In economic terms, Schenger said Morocco was the only African country to have a free trade agreement with the United States, adding that “last week we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the official entry into force of our agreement.”
Schenger also noted that more than 150 US contractors are currently operating in the Kingdom of Morocco, contributing to the creation of jobs for the benefit of the Moroccan economy.
The U.S. official expressed confidence that these relations would see further growth in the future and that “their momentum will continue to be in sight here,” expressing his delight in facilitating the expansion and deployment of the Southern Depot (Depot).
Top US Ambassador to North Africa and the Middle East – US Undersecretary of State for Eastern Affairs David Schenker today paid a historic visit to El-Ion, where he was warmly welcomed by Abdel Salam Bakrat, the Wali of El-Ayon-Zakia El-Hamra. pic.twitter.com/4fBQ8udxpV
– US Embassy in Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) January 9, 2021
(DBA)
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