Nasser Bourita, Christopher Landau and Buchan inaugurated the new U.S. Consulate compound in Casablanca Casablanca — The United States has officially inaugurated a new consulate compound in Casablanca, highlighting nearly 250 years of strong diplomatic relations with Morocco. The ceremony brought together senior Moroccan officials, U.S. representatives, and distinguished guests to celebrate what officials described as a symbol of a deep and lasting partnership.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar Buchan III, said the new building represents more than just a modern diplomatic facility. He described it as a powerful statement of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“This is not just a new building,” he said. “It is a symbol of our partnership, built on nearly two and a half centuries of trust and cooperation.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key Moroccan figures, including Fouad Ali El Himma, advisor to King Mohammed VI, and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, among others.
Historical ties
Morocco holds a unique place in the U.S. diplomatic history. It is home to the American Legation in Tangier, the oldest American diplomatic property in the world. With the opening of the new Casablanca consulate, Morocco now hosts both the oldest and the newest U.S. diplomatic facilities globally.
The relationship between the two countries dates back to the Morocco–United States Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1787. It remains the longest-standing treaty in the U.S. history.
Economic and Strategic Partnership
The United States has invested more than $350 million in the new consulate, bringing total U.S. government infrastructure investment in Morocco to over $500 million, including the embassy in Rabat. More than 1,000 people are employed by the U.S. mission in the country.
Officials emphasized that this investment reflects a strong and growing partnership in areas such as security, trade, and innovation.
Ambassador Buchan also reaffirmed U.S. support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara issue, stating that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco remains the most viable solution to the long-standing dispute.
Future vision
The speech also highlighted future cooperation, including joint humanitarian and military initiatives such as African Lion military exercise, where American and Moroccan teams will provide medical services in southern regions like Dakhla.
In addition, Morocco’s growing role as a regional hub for investment and infrastructure development was praised, with particular attention to projects that will be showcased ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
The event concluded with remarks from Christopher Landau, who traveled to Casablanca to mark the occasion.
The opening of the new consulate in Casablanca reflects a forward-looking partnership between the United States and Morocco, one built on history, strengthened by investment, and focused on future opportunities.
As Ambassador Buchan concluded, the moment represents “one unbroken story” connecting past and present, and setting the stage for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
