Washington – U.S. State Secretary, Antony Blinken, lauded the “crucial voice” of HM King Mohammed VI in advancing peace in the Middle-East and promoting a “secure and prosperous” future for Israelis and Palestinians.

The US State Department released a statement after the top US diplomat and Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation, and Moroccans abroad, spoke on the phone on Sunday. “The Secretary lauded King Mohamed VI’s crucial voice in advancing regional peace and his leadership in promoting a secure and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians,” the statement read.

The two officials agreed that “full adherence to the recent ceasefire in Israel and Gaza” was crucial during their discussions about “the importance of the Negev Forum”.

The Middle East peace process and the two-state solution have been advanced by Morocco, led by HM King Mohammed VI, head of the Al-Quds Committee, according to recent praise from the United States for this country’s “appreciated role” in these endeavors.

“Of course HM, Morocco has a special relationship with the Palestinians. We value Morocco’s help to the Palestinian people and support for the two-state solution, said the U.S. Department of State Spokesperson. King Mohammed VI is the head of the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

In his phone conversation with his Moroccan counterpart, Blinken reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to fortify the bilateral security and economic relationship between the United States and Morocco.

Read Also: Sahara Issue: U.S. Reiterates Support for Autonomy Plan, Deeming it ‘Serious, Credible and Realistic’

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The United States of America and Morocco urged all Mediterranean and African countries to join the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and attend future PSI-related events.

In a joint statement from the U.S. Department of State, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, following the PSI North Africa meeting held December 6-8 in Tangier, Washington and Rabat called on “all Mediterranean and African countries that have not yet joined PSI to join and participate in future meetings related to this initiative.”

According to the same source, the Tangiers meeting, “the first of its type in the region,” symbolized teamwork and agreements to address the region’s risks posed by weapons of mass destruction.

“Over a three-day period, civilian and military officials from ten governments discussed trends in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, international and national judicial authorities related to the prohibition of weapons of mass destruction, and issues related to stopping and inspecting shipments of potential weapons of mass destruction and related materials,” according to the statement.

The Tangier meeting also included presentations by experts, a scenario-based simulation exercise and a visit to the Tangier Mediterranean port for inspection of cargo, he added.

The Paris Principles Initiative (PSI) is a voluntary global cooperation framework established in 2003 to adopt the Paris Principles, also known as the Interdiction Principles.

To date, 107 countries have ratified the PSI Declaration, pledging to take effective action to prevent the transfer of these weapons in accordance with national legislation and international obligations, as well as to implement simplified procedures for the smooth exchange of information and the strengthening of relevant national and international laws and frameworks.

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The Twelfth edition of the “E-SISTEP 2021” international trade fair for procurement subcontracting and partnerships started on Casablanca Tuesday under the theme “industry at the  heart of economic development”.

This edition, which runs until October 07 and is organized in digital format on the initiative of the Federation of the Metallurgical, Mechanical, and Electromechanical Industry (FIMME), is part of the dynamic of digital transformation that continues to accelerate, particularly in terms of industry and innovation.

This event, which attracts nearly 2,000 exhibitors, speakers, and visitors from eight countries, provides an opportunity to discuss topics such as digitization and its role in the metallurgical, mechanical, and electromechanical industries (IMME), as well as the emergence of IMME 4.0 and its significance in enhancing industrial companies’ competitiveness.

The E-SISTEP aims to bring Moroccan and foreign enterprises together in order to renew the sector and contribute to its resurrection because of its international scale. It allows Western corporations to explore new markets while also allowing Moroccan and African businesses to shine on a global scale.

In a statement to MAP, FIMME President Tarik Aitri said, “This edition is distinguished by a scientific and technical program that will take place over three days in the form of seminars, panels, and round tables and will be an opportunity for participants to exchange their know-how and knowledge.” Several hot topics in the industry will be tackled, he said, mentioning industry 4.0, decarbonization, and the utilization of green energy as examples.

For his part, the Vice-President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Mohamed Bachiri, underlined the importance of taking stock, through this fair, on the issues binding the various industrial federations and examining the opportunities aimed at developing Moroccan industry.

Mr. Bachiri, who emphasized the Kingdom’s progress in terms of industrialization, particularly in the automobile and aeronautics industries, emphasized the importance of promoting “Made in Morocco” and adapting Moroccan companies to the logic of Industry 4.0, which will allow advanced technologies to be integrated into production processes.

يعتبر اللقاء اليوم اول مؤتمر رسمي تشارك فيه شركات اسرائيلية، حيث يشكل خطوة مهمة في تطوير العلاقات الاقتصادية والصناعية بين البلدين ويمهد الطريق لزيارة وزيرة الاقتصاد الإسرائيلية المرتقبة في بضع اسابيع الى المغرب. pic.twitter.com/GFgO3uMYrQ

— Dr. David Govrin (@DavidGovrin) October 5, 2021

The 12th edition of E-SISTEP, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and the Green and Digital Economy, was highlighted by the presence of David Govrin, Head of the Israel Liaison Office in Morocco, and Lawrence Randolph, Consul General of the United States of America in Casablanca, who attended the show alongside Moroccan and international industrialists from Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

The FIMME, which was founded in 1951, intends to bring together all of the synergies necessary for the efficient operation and expansion of IMMEs, and works to promote and develop the sector on a daily basis.

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King Mohammed VI received congratulatory messages from heads of states and governments, embassies and diplomats across the world, on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Throne Day.
Politicians from various countries, including the Saudi Arabia, Israel, Serbia, Bulgaria, the United States, Philippine, the United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Sudanese sovereignty council, and many others. expressed heartfelt congratulations to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people, wishing them good health, happiness, and further progress and prosperity.
The Israeli Defense Minister congratulated His Majesty the King wishing the king and the country success and prosperity.
James Cleverly, the United Kingdom government official and The British Ambassador to Morocco also expressed their sincere congratulations to Morocco’s King and people.

https://twitter.com/jamescleverly/status/1421117897997438980?s=24

In a tweet, the American embassy in Morocco also expressed its best wishes to the monarch.

pic.twitter.com/rkIyEWnqFb

— U.S. Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) July 30, 2021

Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudanese politician congratulated His Majesty in a letter emphasizing on how Sudan is firmly committed to strengthening bilateral relations and joint cooperation in a variety of areas in the mutual interests of both communities.
Zakaria El Goumiri, Ambassador of His Majesty to Dominican Republic, commemorated the 22nd anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne with a Dominican choral body intoned Morocco’s national anthem.

Entonación del Himno Nacional del Reino de Marruecos por parte del Cuerpo Coral dominicano, conmemorando el 22° Aniversario del Acceso al Trono de Su Majestad El Rey Mohammed VI, Que Dios le Asista @MarocDiplomatie @DiplomaciaM @Embmarruecos pic.twitter.com/IbGUphIUei

— Zakaria El Goumiri (@ZakariElGoumiri) July 30, 2021

The city of Belgrade illuminated Ada Bridge, Branko’s Bridge and Palace of Albania on National colors as a celebration of the King’s enthronement.

"The city of Belgrade is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Ada Bridge, Branko's Bridge and Palace of Albania, illuminated on national colors. pic.twitter.com/xdoPaI7avS

— Morocco in Serbia and in Montenegro (@MoroccoInSerbia) July 30, 2021

Philippine’s embassy in Morocco also greeted the king and extended its congratulations and wishes to His Majesty, the Royal Family and the government and people of Morocco.

On this 22nd anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty King #MohammedVI, @PHLinMorocco extends its congratulations & best wishes to His Majesty, the Royal Family & the Government & people of #Morocco. @DFAPHL @Marocdiplo_EN @MoroccoWNews @MoroccoTelegram

— Philippine Embassy in Morocco (@PHLinMorocco) July 30, 2021

Bulgaria, Turkey and many other countries have also congratulated his Majesty for the national day with best wishes, success, prosperity and further progress.

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A press statement issued on Tuesday, July 27, Joey Hood met in Rabat with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita revolved around further promote the already strong U.S.-Morocco strategic partnership under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, as the commemoration of the bicentennial of the first U.S. diplomatic mission in Morocco – the Tangier American Legation – and celebrate over 200 years of friendship between the two countries.

Joey Hood expressed his gratitude for Morocco’s continuous and valuable support on issues of common interest such as peace in the Middle East, and stability, security, and development across the region and the African continent.

Not to mention also that the US has invested more than $15 million in Morocco’s COVID-19 pandemic response, collaborating with the Ministry of Health to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the weekend, the United States delivered over 300,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines to Morocco. These single-dose vaccines will supplement the Kingdom’s already massively successful vaccination campaign.

Joey Hood also expressed his excitement about the first commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Marrakech this past weekend. Noted that Morocco’s efforts to improve relations with Israel are welcomed by the United States as Morocco-Israel relations will benefit both countries in the long run.

Morocco is also a close partner of the US on a variety of security issues. It takes part in over 100 military engagements with US each year, including African Lion, the continent’s largest annual U.S. military exercise, which returned to Morocco last month after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Morocco is the only African country with which we have a Free Trade Agreement, and we and our firms see Morocco as a gateway to the continent. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the FTA’s implementation which both countries have reaped significant benefits, including the creation of thousands of jobs and a fivefold increase in trade volume–to $5 billion per year.

Concerning Western Sahara, the US supports a credible UN-led political process to stabilize the situation and end all hostilities. As Joey Hood said that they are consulting with the parties to determine the best way to put an end to the violence and eventually reach a permanent settlement and they are prepared to be actively engaged with all sides in support of that individual.

He concluded the statement by his excitement to visiting the National Library to see the Moroccan – US exhibition commemorating the bicentennial of the Legation and the deep historical ties that exist between the two countries, mentioning that exhibition is free and open to the public, and it will be on display at the National Library until October, when it will be relocated to the Slaoui Foundation in Casablanca.

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Under the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the joint Moroccan-American exercises “African Lion 2021” will be held from June 7 to 18, 2021 in the regions of Agadir, Tifnit, Tan Tan, Mahbes, Tafraout, Benguerir and Kenitra.

A communiqué by the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces stated that in addition to the United States and Morocco, the 17^th edition of this exercise will witness the participation of Britain, Brazil, Canada, Tunisia, Senegal, the Netherlands and Italy, as well as NATO and military observers from about thirty countries representing Africa, Europe and America.

The source added that this exercise, which is considered among the most important joint exercises in the world, has multiple objectives, including: strengthening the maneuvering capabilities of the participating units; enhancing interoperability among participants in the planning and implementation of joint operations within the framework of the Alliance; mastering military tactics; developing cyber defense skills; training the air component to conduct combat operations, support and air refueling; strengthening cooperation in maritime security and conducting naval exercises in naval tactics and conventional warfare; and finally, participating in humanitarian activities.

In this regard, a field medical-surgical hospital will be deployed in Amlen (Tafraout), where medical and surgical services will be provided for the benefit of the local population in the area, by medical teams consisting of doctors and nurses from the Royal Armed Forces and the US Army.

“African Lion 2021” is one of the major exercises organized and managed by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) in partnership with the Royal Armed Forces, with the aim of enhancing the level of cooperation and training, increasing interoperability as well as enhancing the exchange of experiences and knowledge between various military components in order to achieve full operational capacity.

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The US State Department published on Monday the document of the joint declaration between the United States of America, the Kingdom of Morocco and Israel, which bears the official number (20-1222).

The publication of this tripartite declaration on the State Department website confirms that the United States of America is a state of institutions and fulfills its obligations.

It is further emphasized that the US recognition of Morocco’ sovereignty over the entire territory of the Sahara is a decision issued by the highest constitutional authority in the country and that the current administration is committed to it and seeks to fully implement its provisions.

In the same context, the American “Axios” website had reported that US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken had informed his Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita during a previous phone call that Biden’s administration does not intend to withdraw the US recognition of “Moroccan Sahara”.

According to the website, Biden’s Middle East advisor, Brett McGurk, spoke with Bourita, and “gave the impression that there would be no change in the U.S. policy” regarding Moroccan Sahara.

It is noteworthy that last December, the administration of former US President Donald Trump recognized Morocco’ sovereignty over the Sahara and promised to open a consulate in Dakhla.

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US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken announced today, Tuesday that he had a phone call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

Blinken and Bourita expressed their concern over the acts of violence that are taking place in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and which have resulted in many deaths among civilians, including children.

Moreover, the Secretary highlighted the importance of the strong bilateral partnership between Morocco and the U.S. and the Kingdom’s key role in fostering stability in the region.

In the same context, Blinked shared a post via his Twitter account revealing that he considers the Kingdom a strategic partner of the United States and that the two countries will work jointly to end the war.

I spoke with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita about the importance of restoring calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza to prevent further loss of life. Morocco is a strategic partner, and we will work together to end this conflict.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 18, 2021

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