The historic partnership between Morocco and the United States took center stage in Washington as the Adams Memorial Foundation marked the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, celebrating a relationship that dates back to the earliest years of the American republic.
The event brought together prominent U.S. political figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and members of Congress Bill Keating, John Moolenaar, Stephen Lynch and Morgan Griffith.
The foundation, which honors the legacy of America’s second president, John Adams, highlighted his role in signing the 1786 Treaty of Peace and Friendship with Morocco—still the oldest unbroken treaty in U.S. history.
A Friendship Built on History
Speaking at the event, Jackie Gingrich Cushman, president of the Adams Memorial Foundation, described Morocco and the United States as partners linked by an “enduring friendship” that began shortly after America’s independence.
She recalled that Morocco, under Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, became the first country to recognize U.S. independence in 1777. She also noted that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson later negotiated and signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, an agreement that helped protect American trade routes, ships and sailors while establishing the young republic on the international stage.
Looking Ahead
Morocco’s ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, said the bilateral relationship continues to hold exceptional potential for further growth and deeper cooperation.
While describing the Treaty of Peace and Friendship as the oldest treaty still in force in U.S. history, Amrani said the real strength of the relationship lies in its ability to evolve without losing sight of its historical foundations.
He said the Morocco-U.S. partnership has continued to strengthen despite political changes and geopolitical challenges, stressing that “trust” remains the cornerstone of the relationship.
Amrani added that, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and with the commitment of President Donald Trump, bilateral ties are entering a new phase of strategic acceleration, with political, security, economic and technological interests converging more closely than ever.
- Source: MAP