Morocco and the United States commemorated 250 years of friendship Friday at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington, celebrating what officials described as the world’s longest uninterrupted bilateral treaty relationship. The high-profile ceremony, organized by Morocco’s embassy, drew senior American administration officials and launched year-long programming honoring America’s 250th independence anniversary.
Ambassador Youssef Amrani emphasized the relationship’s historical depth, noting Morocco became the first nation to recognize American independence in 1777. The 1786 Treaty of Peace and Friendship remains the United States’ oldest continuously honored international agreement, transcending mere diplomatic arithmetic to reflect profound mutual understanding.
“Morocco and the United States are two nations that understand each other deeply, continuously choosing to link their destinies around an active alliance that brings measurable progress, tangible development, lasting peace, and security for all,” Amrani stated. He characterized the relationship as offering rare diplomatic attributes—strategic clarity and long-term visibility sustained through unique trust between Rabat and Washington.
The event featured Wayne Wall, Special Assistant to President Donald Trump and Senior Director for Middle East and Africa at the National Security Council, alongside Bryan J. Ellis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for African Affairs. Their attendance underscored continued high-level American engagement with the partnership.
Amrani highlighted recent concrete developments, including American recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, describing it as demonstrating both unwavering sincerity and unparalleled capacity to advance viable peace frameworks. He noted King Mohammed VI’s acceptance of founding membership in President Trump’s newly established Peace Council, designed to contribute to Middle East peace efforts and adopt innovative approaches to global conflict resolution.
“Under His Majesty’s leadership, Morocco has consolidated expanded international confidence in its position as a reliable partner, credible interlocutor, and active player for peace and future-oriented solutions,” the ambassador explained.
Elliot Berke, legal counsel at the Trump Kennedy Center, emphasized the partnership’s significance in launching the venue’s yearlong American independence commemoration, praising Morocco as “one of America’s oldest and closest allies.”